Technician 2026-2030T0B01
Which of the following is good practice when installing ground wires on a tower for lightning protection?
C
Answer
Electrical, RF, and mechanical safety
Type
A
Put a drip loop in the ground connection to prevent water damage to the ground system
B
Make sure all ground wire bends are right angles
C
Ensure that connections are short and direct
D
All these choices are correct
Answer Notes
Lightning strikes involve extremely high currents and high-frequency energy. To safely route this energy to the ground, conductors must have the lowest possible impedance. Keeping ground connections short and direct minimizes resistance and inductance, providing the most efficient path for lightning to dissipate into the earth.
Distractor A is incorrect because drip loops add unnecessary length and inductance, which can cause lightning to jump the gap instead of following the wire. Distractor B is wrong because sharp, right-angle bends increase inductance and can act as spark gaps, causing the lightning energy to arc to nearby objects. Ground wires should always use smooth, sweeping curves instead.
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Which of the following precautions should be taken when measuring high voltages with a voltmeter?
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What is required when climbing an antenna tower?