Lightning Protection of Ship Communication Tower

[lokmanhi]

Hi all,

From what I've heard, there was no lightning arrestor at ship's communication tower. Is there any harm on radio antenna/equipment for not installing lightning protection of about 24m height communication tower onboard ship which stationed offshore?

 

[VEBill]

"Is there any harm... ?"

None at all....until lightning strikes.

http://www.polyphaser.com

is a good starting place.

 

[zeitghost]

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.

 

[VEBill]

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).

 

[BrianR]

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.