Which is a proper grounding method for a tower?
A single four-foot ground rod, driven into the ground no more than 12 inches from the base
This answer is not correct because a single four-foot ground rod does not provide sufficient ground connection to effectively divert lightning energy to the earth.
A ferrite-core RF choke connected between the tower and ground
This answer is incorrect because a ferrite-core RF choke is not used for grounding purposes; it is primarily used to reduce RF interference.
A connection between the tower base and a cold water pipe
This answer is not correct because connecting the tower base to a cold water pipe is an outdated and less effective method compared to using dedicated ground rods.
Separate eight-foot ground rods for each tower leg, bonded to the tower and each other
This answer is correct because using separate eight-foot ground rods for each tower leg, bonded together, provides a strong, low-resistance path for grounding electrical energy.
Explanation
Proper grounding of a tower is essential for both safety and effective operation of your amateur radio setup. Grounding helps protect the tower and your equipment from lightning strikes by providing a clear path to the earth, reducing the likelihood of electrical damage. The best practice for grounding a tower involves multiple ground rods that provide a low-resistance path to dissipate electrical energy safely into the earth. This is why the correct answer is to use separate eight-foot ground rods for each tower leg, all bonded together and to the tower. This method ensures a robust connection and effective dissipation of electrical charges.
T0B08 2022-2026