VE6DOK · Grounding, Bonding & Surge Control
Lightning Protection & Station Safety
You cannot stop lightning. The goal is to reduce risk by giving surge energy a controlled path that does not run through your radio equipment or shack.
Direct strike vs induced surge
Direct strike
Extremely high energy. Protection is mitigation, not certainty.
Induced surge
More common. Nearby strikes induce voltage into coax, wiring, and antenna systems.
Grounding vs bonding
Grounding connects to earth. Bonding connects all grounds together so voltage differences do not equalize through equipment.
Critical rule: isolated ground rods can be dangerous. Grounds should be bonded into a coordinated system.
Single-point entry
Route coax and control lines through one protected entry point with grounding blocks, surge protectors, and bonding to the grounding system.
Common mistakes
- Relying only on unplugging.
- Bringing coax directly inside.
- Using isolated rods.
- No coax grounding or surge protection.