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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hamg-solder-lightning

Why shouldn't soldered joints be used in lightning protection ground connections?

Heat from a strike would likely destroy the solder.

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  1. Solder has too high a dielectric constant
  2. A soldered joint will likely be destroyed by lightning heat ✔
  3. Solder flux prevents good conductivity

Why: A lightning strike carries huge current and heat. Solder melts easily, so a soldered ground joint could fail exactly when you need it. Use proper clamped or bolted connections.

Huh, didn't know that: All metal station equipment enclosures must be grounded so that hazardous voltages cannot appear on the chassis.

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References

Answer: A soldered joint will likely be destroyed by lightning heat. A lightning strike carries huge current and heat. Solder melts easily, so a soldered ground joint could fail exactly when you need it. Use proper clamped or bolted connections.

  1. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    A soldered joint will likely be destroyed by the heat of a lightning strike
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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