What should be done to all external ground rods or earth connections?
The correct answer is C: Bond them together with heavy wire or conductive strap. All external ground rods or earth connections should be bonded together with heavy wire or conductive strap. This creates a single, low-resistance ground system. If ground rods aren't bonded, they can be at different potentials, creating dangerous voltage differences and reducing lightning protection effectiveness. For amateur radio operators, proper ground bonding is essential for safety and effective lightning protection. Understanding this helps create a proper ground system.
Exam Tip
Ground rods = bond together. Think 'B'ond = 'B'ring together. All ground rods must be connected with heavy wire/strap to create single ground system. Not waterproofed (insulates), not kept apart, not tuned.
Memory Aid
"Ground rods = bond together. Think 'B'ond = 'B'ring together. Connect all ground rods with heavy wire/strap to create single ground system. Essential for safety and lightning protection."
Real-World Application
You have ground rods at your tower base, at your station entrance, and at your power service. You bond them all together with heavy copper wire or strap, creating a single, low-resistance ground system. This ensures all equipment is at the same ground potential and provides effective lightning protection. Unbonded ground rods can have voltage differences, creating hazards.
Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Waterproofing ground connections with caulk or tape would insulate them, preventing proper grounding. Ground connections must be conductive, not insulated.
Option B: Incorrect. Keeping ground rods far apart defeats the purpose - they need to be bonded together to create a single ground system.
Option D: Incorrect. Ground rods aren't tuned for resonance - they're for safety grounding and lightning protection. Resonance tuning is for antennas, not grounds.
题目解析
The correct answer is C: Bond them together with heavy wire or conductive strap. All external ground rods or earth connections should be bonded together with heavy wire or conductive strap. This creates a single, low-resistance ground system. If ground rods aren't bonded, they can be at different potentials, creating dangerous voltage differences and reducing lightning protection effectiveness. For amateur radio operators, proper ground bonding is essential for safety and effective lightning protection. Understanding this helps create a proper ground system.
考试技巧
Ground rods = bond together. Think 'B'ond = 'B'ring together. All ground rods must be connected with heavy wire/strap to create single ground system. Not waterproofed (insulates), not kept apart, not tuned.
记忆口诀
Ground rods = bond together. Think 'B'ond = 'B'ring together. Connect all ground rods with heavy wire/strap to create single ground system. Essential for safety and lightning protection.
实际应用示例
You have ground rods at your tower base, at your station entrance, and at your power service. You bond them all together with heavy copper wire or strap, creating a single, low-resistance ground system. This ensures all equipment is at the same ground potential and provides effective lightning protection. Unbonded ground rods can have voltage differences, creating hazards.
错误选项分析
Option A: Incorrect. Waterproofing ground connections with caulk or tape would insulate them, preventing proper grounding. Ground connections must be conductive, not insulated. Option B: Incorrect. Keeping ground rods far apart defeats the purpose - they need to be bonded together to create a single ground system. Option D: Incorrect. Ground rods aren't tuned for resonance - they're for safety grounding and lightning protection. Resonance tuning is for antennas, not grounds.
知识点
Ground bonding, Ground rods, Grounding systems, Lightning protection
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Technician Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.