Sorry, but NFPA NEC (National Electrical Code) definitely requires that ALL grounding electrodes MUST be connected together!  There are VERY good reasons for doing this.

If the antenna were to take a direct lightning strike, the charge could definitely be carried down the shield of the coaxial cable, to the chassis of the equipment, and then through the 3rd wire of the power cord to the electric wiring of the house / building!

Also, for proper lightning protection, the shield of the coaxial cable needs to be grounded to the mast near the antenna, at the bottom of the mast or where the ground lead from the mast connects to the ground rod, and again just before the cable enters the building.

There are various ways of getting a good lightning ground.  One of those ways is outlined at:

http://k9sth.com/uploads/Lightning_Primer_1.pdf

Although lightning arrestors do get the shield grounded, there are much cheaper ways of doing this.  I don't believe that the reflector will let me attach a photo.  However, I can E-Mail a photo of a method to get the shield grounded if requested.   Glen, K9STH AMSAT 239 / LM-463

Website: http://k9sth.com

On Wednesday, October 16, 2013 5:08 PM, damon runion damonwa4hfn@gmail.com wrote:

What ever you decide  DO NOT put your antenna grounding anywhere near your main house electrical ground Damon

On 10/16/13, R.T.Liddy k8bl@ameritech.net wrote:

David,

Here is what I did in your same situation.

Make sure you have at least 3 feet of mast extending above the antenna from the rotator.  Attach at least a #10 STRANDED copper wire to the tower/tripod just below the rotator and route it as straight and short as possible to the thickest and longest copper-coated ground rod you can find directly below (as much as possible) your tower/tripod.

Then, KYFC because lightning will go wherever it pleases.  But, at least you will have given it the most pleasing path you could.

GL/73,    Bob K8BL

P.S.  If you have a tower, DO NOT trust the connection between the sections   to give you the best lightning ground. ALWAYS run the ground wire all the   way to the TOP. Otherwise, your coax will have the least resistance.

From: David Carr dc@dcarr.org To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 4:10 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Lightning protection

Hi group,

I have a new wooden outbuilding and am thinking of putting a rotator on the roof.  What are the best practices for lightning protection for a setup like this?

I'm not as worried about the equipment as I am the building catching on fire.  There are some things inside that are very important to me.

Thanks for the help, David KD5QGR _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb

_______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb