[Antennas] Lightning protection for elevated lead-ins

Thu Nov 18 12:58:50 EST 2004

A question for the lightning protection experts:
I am planning to install a 6-m/2-m Yagi combo on the roof of my
house, and I would like to bring in the coaxial cables near the peak
of the roof, which is approx. 25 feet above ground. This is necessary
to minimize the lengths of the lines and therefore the loss, because
my shack is in a second-floor bedroom. I would like to install a good
measure of lightning protection for the system.
I know that the "single point ground" is the first commandment of
lightning protection; however, in my case the telco and AC mains
enter the house right at ground level. Would it be reasonable to
install a copper panel near the peak of the roof and run a 3-inch
(or so) copper strap down to the ground rod next to the telco/AC
entry point? The length of the strap would have to be around 30 feet.
I realize I would have to improve the current grounding system at
ground level to make it effective for lightning protection. I would
install coaxial surge/impulse protectors on the copper plate at the
roof peak.
Can I run the strap right up against the edge of the roof, or should
I use stand-offs to space it an inch or more?
Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.
73,
Dave
NB4J