How deep to bury 6 AWG ground wire for Ham Radio Lightning Ground Protection?

[TDK]

Can't seem to find any clear answer to this basic question using keywords on internet or Ham Radio forums. I tried didn't see it in the NEC either.

Can someone please advise since it is a basic electrical question?

Thank you

 

[Little Bill]

I am allowing this thread since it is just a basic question. So answers should be limited to just the question and not any "how to" answers.

 

[hbiss]

Nothing in the Code about it. I would only worry about physical damage from it being hit by someone digging. So if it were me I would strive for 18-24 inches deep.

-Hal

 

[Chamuit]

Couple of questions:
What environment is this in? Tropical rain forest, desert, ocean-side
What type of terrain do you have? Soil, clay, rock
What community/zoning area? Residential, commercial, industrial

 

[K8MHZ]

The only thing you will find in the code is the fact they have to be protected from physical damage. Just like any other GEC in the book. There is no minimum depth.

 

[TDK]

Thank you ALL. I'll use 12 inches as my target depth. It's Arizona soil which is 90% rock and caliche. Best regards to all.

 

[tom baker]

You are right there is nothing in code about it, the way the NEC is laid out, its a chapter 8 application, and chapter 8 requirements are mostly exempt from the rest of the NEC requirements, in this case, burial depth.

 

[GoldDigger]

If this is a permanent installation, for that soil possibly the best constructed ground would be a concrete encased electrode (CEE) also known as a Ufer ground after its developer.
You would not need to meet the NEC criteria, just provide a concrete pad with sufficient area and conductive rebar. Although a lightning strike might damage the concrete.

Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

 

[Speedskater]

This is a common reoccurring question on the Ham radio forums.
Because there are four interconnecting 'ground' systems involved.
1] Tower lightning protection ground.
2] GEC (Grounding Electrode Conductor) ground.
3] EGC (Equipment Grounding Conductor) ground.
4] Radio Frequency antenna ground. (only some antennas have a Earth ground)

It's not easy to integrate all four systems.

 

[K8MHZ]

We lucky just to get all the systems interconnected. Most of the time in ham radio that is overlooked.