A key element for any antenna system is grounding the antenna. By grounding an antenna you help reduce the risk of an electrical current from a lightening strike causing damage to not only the antenna, but the radio equipment as well. Using a large gauge copper wire that is securely connected to a copper rod driven into the ground is the most efficient method of grounding an antenna. The ground rod will help to divert the electrical charge harmlessly into the ground and away from the equipment.
Locate an area, on the ground, that is about three to four feet away from the base of the antenna mast where the CB antenna is mounted.
Turn the metal detector on and follow the manufacturer guidelines for your particular model to ensure there are no electrical lines running underground, before driving the rod into the ground.
Put the gloves and safety goggles on to avoid injury to the hands or face as you prepare to hammer the ground rod into the ground.
Hammer the ground rod into the ground, until about six inches are left extending up out of the ground.
Wrap one end of the copper wire around the base of the antenna mast. Stretch the wire over to the ground rod. Wrap a few turns tightly around the end of the ground rod and the cut way any excess wire with the cutters.
Wrap a hose clap around the antenna mast and ground rod, where the copper wire is attached, to secure the wire in place and form a good connection.
Things You'll Need:
- Metal detector
- Leather gloves
- Goggles
- Sledge hammer
- Copper ground rod, 5-8 feet
- 8 gauge solid copper wire
- Wire cutters
- 2 Hose clamps
- Screwdriver
Tip
It may be helpful to remove the ends of the copper wire from each connection once a year to sand away any corrosion caused by the outside elements. Removing the corrosion will ensure a good connection for the electrical charge to pass through.
It may be helpful to contact your local utility company to survey the area where you will be installing the ground rod to ensure there are no electrical or plumbing run in the area.
Warnings:
- Use extreme caution when hammering the ground rod into the ground to keep your fingers away from the end where the hammer is striking the end of the rod. Failure to do so, could result in serious injury.
References
Resources
Tips
- It may be helpful to remove the ends of the copper wire from each connection once a year to sand away any corrosion caused by the outside elements. Removing the corrosion will ensure a good connection for the electrical charge to pass through.
- It may be helpful to contact your local utility company to survey the area where you will be installing the ground rod to ensure there are no electrical or plumbing run in the area.
Warnings
- Use extreme caution when hammering the ground rod into the ground to keep your fingers away from the end where the hammer is striking the end of the rod. Failure to do so, could result in serious injury.
Writer Bio
Billy Brainard graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Trinity College. As the department chairman he was responsible for creating and writing the curriculum for 7-12 grade students. Currently he writes for eHow and works part time helping employees by creating and writing resumes to help in their job search.
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