Lightning Protection and Tower Safety
Lightning — The Biggest Threat to Your Station
Amateur antennas, especially towers, are excellent lightning targets. A direct strike carries 20,000-200,000 amps. No surge protector can stop a direct hit. Your goal is to provide a safe path to ground and disconnect when storms threaten.
Grounding Your Station
- Single-point ground: All station grounds (radio, amplifier, accessories, feedlines) connect to ONE common point, which then connects to the earth ground system
- Ground rods: At least 2.4 metres long, driven into the earth. Multiple rods bonded together are better.
- Bond to building ground: Your station ground must connect to the building's electrical earthing system
- Feedline grounding: All coax shields should be grounded where they enter the building, using gas-discharge surge protectors
The single most effective protection: Physically disconnect all antenna feedlines from your equipment and ground them outside the building when storms are approaching. This is the only reliable protection against a direct or nearby strike.
Tower Safety
Tower work is the most physically dangerous activity in amateur radio. Falls are fatal.
Absolute Rules
- Never climb alone — always have someone on the ground who can call for help
- Always use a climbing harness and safety belt properly rated and inspected
- Three points of contact at all times (two hands + one foot, or two feet + one hand)
- Hard hats for both the climber AND the ground crew (dropped tools fall fast)
- No climbing in bad weather — wind, rain, or any chance of lightning
Power Line Clearance
The most critical safety consideration for antenna and tower installation:
If an antenna or tower contacts power lines, the result is likely death. Maintain generous clearance from ALL power lines. A falling tower or antenna must not be able to reach any power line. Check with your local power authority for specific clearance requirements. When in doubt, increase the distance.
Minimum Safe Voltage
Generally, voltages above 30V AC or 42V DC are considered potentially dangerous. Below these levels, normal dry skin resistance usually prevents dangerous current flow. Above them, take full electrical safety precautions.