Many faults occur via the station ground system. This fault indicated a
difference in potential between the station ground and the AC Mains
ground. In many cases, the station equipment is connected between
station ground and the AC Mains ground. The nearby lightning strike
produces a difference in potential between two or more grounds to which
the station is effectively connected in series with these grounds. Thus
the current flow is through the station equipment, even if power is off
and antennas are disconnected.
My example: A cow is standing under a tree during a thunder storm.
Lightning hits the tree and the energy is dispersed through the earth in
all directions. Cow is connected via its 4 feet to the earth at 4
places. The difference in potential between the 4 connected places
electrocutes the cow. Lightning did NOT strike the cow.
If your station ground IS NOT BONDED to the AC Mains ground, (a) this is
in violation of the NEC, (b) one has a high likelihood for damage in the
event of a nearby lightning strike.
Second, each piece of equipment MUST be bonded to a common point.
There is a difference in bonding and grounding. Station lightning
protection and grounding is always outside of the structure, never inside.
Jim, K9YC and Ward Silver, N0AX in the ARRL book /GROUNDING AND BONDING
for the Radio Amateur/ contains a wealth of correct information. Use
this information to defuse "old ham lore" regarding grounding.
73
Bob, K4TAX
On 8/24/2022 11:49 AM, [email protected] wrote:
Message: 8
Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2022 21:31:42 +0000 (UTC)
From:[email protected]
To:"[email protected]" <[email protected]>,
"[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] KIO3 failure mode
Message-ID:<[email protected]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Not owning a K3, but have the KX3..............and other rigs!? Perhaps
disconnecting the antenna (before and during an electrical storm)? from the
shack hardware makes little boards like the K103 enjoy a longer life.? Just
suggesting.? No disrespect in this comment.
73ChuckW4MIL
--
Bob, K4TAX
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