The AM Forum

I know this topic has been discussed here on the board previously, but I can't seem to locate the particular thread.

I will be improving the grounding rod arrangement for my station antenna system. In the current configuration, when the station is not in use, the open wire feeders are connected  by way of a large knife switch to a single 8-foot long ground rod. My plan is to increase this to three (3) 8-foot long ground rods. I can't recall the recommended spacing and arrangement of the three rods; there was a suggestion that someone had here previously, perhaps it was Frank, 'GFZ.

Can you guys offer the best/optimum arrangement for what I am looking to do?

Thanks & 73,

Bruce

NEC requires a spacing of 5 or 6 feet minimum don't remember the exact number. I would bury some radials myself. I have 3 60 foot radials on my tower copper service lead off an old house. They are about #2 size stranded.  My building inspector also liked the #8 I ran around the house footings before we backfilled the new place.
Bottom line is the better the ground the lower the voltage you develope during  alightning strike.
In aircraft you look at a 200KA strike and keep all connections under .0025 ohms so you never generate over 500 volts across a joint.

You need to connect your station ground system to your AC panel ground system.  Use #6 or larger wire.  That line should be as direct as possible, can be run inside or outside, doesn't matter.

Fred

yup bond all grounds so there is limited voltage offset due to a lightning strike.

Ground rods have a sphere of influence equal, roughly, to their length.  For maximum effectiveness space then 2X their length, e.g. for 6' ground rods, space 'em 12' apart.

Thank you John, Fred, and Frank, for your input. Much appreciated!

73,

Bruce

Id space them 1X in New England soil.

Carl