Grounding the IronWave Series: When and How to Do It
Grounding the IronWave Series: One-Point Bonding, Distance Rules & Corrosion-Proofing
The IronWave series of multiband verticals is built around a radial field and integrated choke/UNUN system. A common question is: how (and when) should I ground it?
Where to Ground: Use the Radial Plate (Single-Point Bonding)
If you add a ground rod for static or lightning bleed, bond it at the radial plate — not separately at the choke or the UNUN. Keeping all grounds at one node avoids loops and unpredictable RF currents.
Grounding the UNUN housing and the choke to different rods creates parallel paths for RF and common-mode current. One point only: the radial plate.
Close to the House: Coax Return Is Sufficient
When the antenna is near the shack (~20–30 m from the entry ground), an extra rod at the antenna is usually unnecessary. Your coax shield is already bonded to the station ground at the entry panel; a second nearby rod often creates ground loops rather than solving problems.
When Distance Matters: Farther Installations
As the run gets longer, local static build-up becomes relevant. Practical guideline:
- < ~30 m from shack: Coax bond at entry is enough.
- ~30–50 m: Optional local rod at the radial plate for static control (dry climates benefit most).
- > ~50 m: Recommended to install a local ground rod at the radial plate for static bleed and lightning energy diversion.
This is about static and surge control, not RF efficiency — the radial field handles RF.
Using a Galvanized Ballast Frame
Ballast frames (ours or others) are great mechanical supports but poor RF grounds. Galvanized steel conducts worse than copper and its zinc layer can degrade under surge. If the antenna is far from the house (≈>50 m), add a dedicated ground rod at the radial plate with a short, heavy copper bond to bleed static and improve surge survivability.
Do not bolt bare copper directly to galvanized (zinc-coated) steel — it accelerates corrosion and degrades both surfaces. If you must bond to a galvanized frame:
- Use a braided copper strap with tinned eyelets (tin-plated). Tin forms a stable interface with steel, zinc (galvanized), copper, and aluminum and slows galvanic attack.
- Clean mating surfaces, use serrated washers for bite, then seal against moisture.
- Prefer short, direct runs to the radial plate; keep the frame as structural, not as your electrical ground.
Grounding Best Practices
- Single-point ground: bond the radial plate to one ground rod (2–3 m copper-clad steel typical).
- Use heavy-gauge copper wire or braid; keep the bond short and straight.
- No separate grounds for UNUN or choke — tie them mechanically to the same radial-plate node.
- Avoid bare copper ↔ galvanized direct contact; use tinned eyelets/transition hardware.
- Where practical, bond any outdoor rods back to the shack/entry ground for equipotential grounding.
Anti-Corrosion Lubricants for Antenna Protection
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| For different use cases | Würth CU 800 | Würth AL 1100 |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Fasteners | ✔ Excellent under heavy loads | ✔ Suitable, lower galvanic risk |
| Salty or Coastal Environments | ✘ Not ideal, risk of copper corrosion | ✔ Excellent corrosion resistance |
| Electrical Conductivity (RF) | ✔ High conductivity for grounding | ✘ Low conductivity, not ideal |
| RVS (Stainless Steel) + Brass | ⚠ Use with caution in salty areas | ✔ Safe, minimal galvanic interaction |
| General Outdoor Applications | ✔ Effective in mild environments | ✔✔ Excellent in all conditions |
Shop: Würth CU 800 Copper Paste | Würth AL 1100 Aluminum Paste
Mini-FAQ
- Should I ground the UNUN or choke separately? — No. Use single-point bonding at the radial plate.
- Do I need a ground rod if the antenna is 10 m from the shack? — Usually not. The coax/entry bond is sufficient.
- What if my IronWave is 60 m down the garden? — Add a local rod at the radial plate for static bleed/lightning energy.
- Is a galvanized ballast frame a ground? — No. It’s structural. Still bond the radial plate to earth when far from the shack.
- Can I bolt copper to galvanized steel? — Not bare copper. Use braided copper with tinned eyelets to limit corrosion.
- Does grounding improve RF efficiency? — No. The radial field governs efficiency; grounding is for static/surge control.
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