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Earthing and the radio amateur

Stewart Mason
I've recently joined the IET forums. I replied to a  topic regarding amateur radio and PME on the old forum. Unfortunately I cant access the old forum anymore so I thought it would be best to start a new topic.


So. On the bench there is a transceiver with a metal case. Next to the transceiver there is a antenna tuning unit which is connected to a antenna system which is using an earth rod. Am I right in saying there is a chance of a potential difference between the two metal cases of the equipment regardless if it is a TT, TNS or TNCS?


What would be the ideal solution?  Put the shack on it's own TT supply and bond all the radio equipment back to the MET of the TT and if a earth rod is used for the antennas connect that back to the MET also?


If the TT system was not an option what would be best if the supply was a PME and you didn't want to use balanced antennas removing the use of an earth rod? 


To be honest I've never really given PME's and amateur radio much thought which in hindsight was probably a mistake. I do remember when I did my training an earth rod was recommended for the radios.


Apologies for being so random.


Stewart M0SDM
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  • 0
    Thank you for your reply Clive.

    As I attempted to make clear, this is not a simple problem, and needs considerable background on more than the basics in BS7671. At the present time we do appear to have a problem with our mains supplies, and the reliability of neutral integrity. It is wise to consider all domestic supplies to be TNC-S unless TT is definitely installed, and reasonably isolated from surrounding properties by distance. I find from teaching the 18th edition update courses that many electricians have quite a knowledge gap around TT as a concept, unless they normally work outside of towns. Whatever the situation I would strongly advise against trying to TT one space in an otherwise TNC-S property as the chance of bringing an appliance connected to the other earthing system into the wrong space is considerable because any fault on the TN system will produce a dangerous potential between the appliances on differing earthing systems.


    Regards

    David CEng MIET G8FNR
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  • 0
    Thank you for your reply Clive.

    As I attempted to make clear, this is not a simple problem, and needs considerable background on more than the basics in BS7671. At the present time we do appear to have a problem with our mains supplies, and the reliability of neutral integrity. It is wise to consider all domestic supplies to be TNC-S unless TT is definitely installed, and reasonably isolated from surrounding properties by distance. I find from teaching the 18th edition update courses that many electricians have quite a knowledge gap around TT as a concept, unless they normally work outside of towns. Whatever the situation I would strongly advise against trying to TT one space in an otherwise TNC-S property as the chance of bringing an appliance connected to the other earthing system into the wrong space is considerable because any fault on the TN system will produce a dangerous potential between the appliances on differing earthing systems.


    Regards

    David CEng MIET G8FNR
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