Ham Radio Lightning Protection: How to Keep Your Gear Safe
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One Strike Can Destroy Everything
A lightning strike near your antenna can send thousands of volts through your coax, into your radio, and through your house wiring. Thousands of dollars of gear gone in an instant. Here is how to protect it.
The Three Layers of Protection
| Layer | Device | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Outside | Ground rod + heavy wire | Directs strike energy into the earth |
| 2. Entry point | Lightning arrestor | Shunts surge to ground before entering house |
| 3. Inside | Surge protector | Protects power supply and radio from residual |
Minimum Protection for Every Station
- Ground your antenna mast to an 8-foot ground rod
- Install a lightning arrestor where coax enters the house
- Bond arrestor ground to the house electrical ground
- Use a quality surge protector for your power supply
Golden Rule
Disconnect your antenna when storms are forecast. No protection device is 100% reliable against a direct strike. Physical disconnection is the only guarantee.