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Re: Lightning arrestor

Subject: Re: Lightning arrestor
From: "Ted Coffey" twcoffey1
Date: Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:06 pm ((PDT))
David,
When it comes to lightning there is a risk no matter what you do.
I have had lightning hit a grounded mast on the roof and jump over to
a nearby cable and knock out a radio receiver.  You could actually see
the path.
A grounded conductor near the roof(like electrical wiring in the
attic) will provide some protection due to the neutralization of build
up of charge in the air directly above the house but lightning can
still strike and the path is somewhat uncertain even if you are using
large diameter braided lightning rod cable and have multiple ground
rods. Small solid wire like #8 or #6 will most likely melt or burn off
on a direct strike. 
The best protection is to physically disconnect the microphone cables
whenever lightning nearby or you are not monitoring.  The unconnected
cable must not provide a path to ground.
Ted

--- In  David Martin <>
wrote:
>
> I am planning to put a mic on my roof to monitor migrating birds.  I 
> am concerned about running a cable from the roof into my house 
> without a lightning arrestor.  Does anyone have experience setting up 
> such a system or suggestions on how to go about it?
> 
> David
>






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