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+--- Thread: Braid conductors...when not to use it (/thread-1276.html)
Braid conductors...when not to use it - VK3LU - 13-02-2023
Years ago I read somewhere of certain situations where you shouldn't use a braid conductor.
I am blowed if I can remember what it is. Perhaps I am mistaken.
I intend to use it to connect a metal roof to the earth terminal of an AH4, the roof being the ground plane.
Anyone with an answer?
Nev
RE: Braid conductors...when not to use it - VK5TM - 13-02-2023
The only comment I can find about not using a braided earth strap is in damp environments because they trap more moisture and thus tend to cause corrosion.
RE: Braid conductors...when not to use it - VK3LU - 13-02-2023
Thanks Terry,
I dont know where I got the info from. Perhaps my synapses are befuddled.
Could it be DC I am thinking of. Dunno.
I will press on with the braid.
Nev
RE: Braid conductors...when not to use it - VK4ADC - 13-02-2023
Nev
You don't use braid where it is the primary conduction method for lightning protection. The individual strands can fuse if/when a strike occurs.
Bonding sheets of metal roofing is ok but remember that with the overlapping roofing materials, even if electrically insulated at DC, create a fairly large capacitance which should appear as a low impedance at RF. Hence the bonding of large roof areas of sheets is mostly unnecessary to still be an effective RF "ground plane".
The material to use for lightning protection is heavy/wide copper strap, or aluminium etc..
Doug VK4ADC