Antenna vs. Lightning question

[PaulOF]

Hi,
I live in Philadelphia, and I have plenty local stations that I can pick up by stringing a few feet of wire across the room even with the most insensitive of my sets. But I'd like to hook at least one of them up to a decent outdoor longwire just for the fun of it.

I have plenty of space, but I also have plenty of lightning. I'm on top of a hill, and over the 30+ years I've lived here I've probably lost a dozen modems, a couple tv's, my garage door opener, and a stair lift controller to the emp from various lightning strikes in my backyard.

So, what is current best practice for lightning protection with a big ol' outdoor antenna?
Paul

[Reece]

It needs a lightning arrestor, of course, but in a situation like yours, it also needs a pain-in-the-neck solution. A big grounding switch on the outside. When the antenna is not in use, out you go and throw the SPDT porcelain switch to disconnect the antenna from going into the house and connecting it directly to ground outside. It doesn't have to be a direct hit to cause damage. A grounded antenna won't build up a dangerous charge.

The pain in the neck is remembering to go out and throw the switch. Big sign where the antenna comes in the house might help.

[PaulOF]

Thanks Reece. When I dismantled my radio stuff before I went off to college back in 1965, I was using an expandable electric fence gate handle (fancy name for a big spring with a wooden handle and a metal hook at the end). I could hook the hook to an eye bolt that led into the house, or to a grounded eye bolt. I was sort of hoping that there was newer technology. On the other hand, its hard to argue against simplicity. I'm pretty sure I've got an old porcelain knife switch somewhere in my parts boxes, and I've got a sheltered spot close enough to the porch that I can reach it without getting wet.
Thanks again,
Paul

[Reece]

The electric fence handle would be even better: it would get the wire entirely away from the house. I would image ten zillion volts, if it decided to, wouldn't have any trouble jumping from one end of a porcelain switch to the center. However, I've got a porcelain switch on mine and sleep well at night. If it's gonna getcha it's gonna getcha.

Edit: technology vs lightning: let's take bets on the outcome!