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Old August 2nd 11, 01:42 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
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Default Using speaker wire for a dipole

On 7/31/2011 2:02 PM, Owen Duffy wrote:


PS: hams universally ignore the guidance of NFPA 70 which makes
recommendation on conductors for antennas.


Are you saying the electrical code is sort of like the pirate code? more
guidelines than actual requirements?

I think the way that hams can rationalize it is that most wire antennas
(particularly those made with fine wire) are, by their nature,
"temporary installations". The finer the wire, the more temporary.
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Old August 3rd 11, 12:42 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
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Default Using speaker wire for a dipole

On 8/1/2011 20:42, Jim Lux wrote:
On 7/31/2011 2:02 PM, Owen Duffy wrote:


PS: hams universally ignore the guidance of NFPA 70 which makes
recommendation on conductors for antennas.


Are you saying the electrical code is sort of like the pirate code? more
guidelines than actual requirements?

I think the way that hams can rationalize it is that most wire antennas
(particularly those made with fine wire) are, by their nature,
"temporary installations". The finer the wire, the more temporary.


The National Electric Code limits the use of Temporary installations to
power and lighting conductors.

"ARTICLE 527 Temporary Installations
527.1 Scope.
The provisions of this article apply to temporary electrical power and
lighting installations." Copyright 2002 the National Fire Protection
Association.

--
Tom Horne, W3TDH
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Old August 3rd 11, 04:20 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
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Default Using speaker wire for a dipole

On 8/2/2011 7:42 PM, Tom Horne wrote:

"ARTICLE 527 Temporary Installations
527.1 Scope.
The provisions of this article apply to temporary electrical power and
lighting installations." Copyright 2002 the National Fire Protection
Association.


I have found that the safest option is to not ever put up any antenna
whatsoever, Tom. It's just too dangerous, and gives us unneeded exposure.

Can you ensure that an antenna that is installed to the code
specifications, will not fall down?

Will your code spec prevent you from incurring liability if a wire
antenna falls down and electrocutes a neighbor?

The answer to both questions is "no", BTW.

I find that this entire discussion is pretty amazing when compared to
the original question.

As opposed to electrical code and liability admonitions, perhaps a good
answer is:

"Yes, you can make an adequate antenna from speaker wire. There might be
better options, though."

- 73 de Mike N3LI -
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Old August 5th 11, 05:04 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
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Default Using speaker wire for a dipole

On 8/2/2011 4:42 PM, Tom Horne wrote:
On 8/1/2011 20:42, Jim Lux wrote:
On 7/31/2011 2:02 PM, Owen Duffy wrote:


PS: hams universally ignore the guidance of NFPA 70 which makes
recommendation on conductors for antennas.


Are you saying the electrical code is sort of like the pirate code? more
guidelines than actual requirements?

I think the way that hams can rationalize it is that most wire antennas
(particularly those made with fine wire) are, by their nature,
"temporary installations". The finer the wire, the more temporary.


The National Electric Code limits the use of Temporary installations to
power and lighting conductors.

"ARTICLE 527 Temporary Installations
527.1 Scope.
The provisions of this article apply to temporary electrical power and
lighting installations." Copyright 2002 the National Fire Protection
Association.

--
Tom Horne, W3TDH



I was thinking more of local codes or enforcement. After all, the local
"Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ in code-speak) can and does
override the NEC all the time.

There are also a whole lot of other "installations of a temporary
nature" in the code: check out the sections about theatrical and motion
picture filming. They allow substantially higher currents for a given
size wire, on the not unreasonable basis that they're being operated
under the (hopefully) continuous supervision of qualified personnel.


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Old August 3rd 11, 02:16 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
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Default Using speaker wire for a dipole

Very simply, yes, it can be used for making antennas. If it's strong
enough to hold up it's own weight, and that of the feed line without
stretching unreasonably, then it should do fine. What happens if it
stretches? You shorten it. I think I'd try a larger size for 160
meters and maybe 80 meters, but if it can stand the weight and the
weather, why not?
- 'Doc




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