Lightning Protection of Ship Communication Tower

• Oct 31, 2003

• #2

VEBill

Military

Apr 25, 2002

7,090

CA

"Is there any harm... ?"

None at all....until lightning strikes.

http://www.polyphaser.com

is a good starting place.

 

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• Nov 1, 2003

• #3

zeitghost

Computer

Oct 8, 2003

400

GB

I read somewhere once that ship's masts on the ocean resemble a nice pointy thing on a flat plane.

Ideal for attracting lightning.

I think I'd use some lightning protection.

 

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• Nov 3, 2003

• #4

VEBill

Military

Apr 25, 2002

7,090

CA

Also, a typical ship is ideal for installing lightning protection. You've got a good ground (the salty ocean) and you've got metal bulkheads (walls) to provide shielding (like a Faraday cage).

 

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• Nov 11, 2003

• #5

BrianR

Aerospace

Oct 28, 2001

318

AU

It would be useful to install in-line lightning arrestors in each coax coming down from the antennas. You use arrestors rated for the frequency and RF power on the line, but otherwise the tower is probably a pretty good lightning rod as it is.

 

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