Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

Why should soldered joints not be used with the wires that connect the base of a tower to a system of ground rods?

1. The resistance of solder is too high

2. Solder flux will prevent a low conductivity connection

3. Solder has too high a dielectric constant to provide adequate lightning protection

4. A soldered joint will likely be destroyed by the heat of a lightning strike

The correct answer is: A soldered joint will likely be destroyed by the heat of a lightning strike

Soldered joints should not be used for connecting the base of a tower to a system of ground rods primarily because a soldered joint is likely to be destroyed by the heat generated from a lightning strike. In the event of a lightning strike, the tremendous energy involved can create extremely high temperatures. Solder, which is a metal alloy typically made of tin and lead, has a relatively low melting point compared to the intense heat generated during such an event. Consequently, the solder at the joint could melt, resulting in a loss of connectivity and potentially compromising the effectiveness of the grounding system designed to dissipate electrical energy safely into the ground. In contrast, a mechanical connection, such as a crimped or bolted joint, is stronger and more durable under these high heat conditions, ensuring that the grounding remains intact and effectively protects the system from electrical hazards. This highlights the importance of using robust connections for grounding systems in areas prone to lightning strikes.