Copper Mesh Lightning Protection

[Lojanica]

I am rebedding cabin top hardware and some of the copper mesh in the ceiling is corroded. I want to repair/improve the shielding from strike. What is the best way to ground this mesh? To the SS compression post to the keel or?

[noelex 77]

The most important form of lightning protection is to ground the mast. When done correctly this provides the safest path to dissipate the energy from the strike.

There is some slight addition protection afforded to metal boats from the faraday cage effect, but I have never heard of someone trying to duplicate this of a fiberglass boat.
A proper faraday cage provides very good protection, but it requires special metals to dissipate the electrical and magnetic pulse generated by the strike. A copper mesh, particuarly with holes for hatches etc will only do a poor job, even if you can achieve, and maintain, good conduction around the whole of the boat.
Frankly I amazed someone would try to do this and I would not attempt to repair the system.

[colemj]

I suspect the copper mesh is not for a faraday cage, but for a counterpoise to a radio system. Is your SSB connected to it?

Mark

[Lojanica]

You hit the nail on the head it certainly looks like a faraday cage. It is a bit odd because the ssb has a 3"copper strap which is NOT connected to the copper screen. When I step the mast next season I'll check the copper grounding for lightening but I am interested in the screen?

Thanks.

[Lojanica]

Originally Posted by colemj

I suspect the copper mesh is not for a faraday cage, but for a counterpoise to a radio system. Is your SSB connected to it?

Mark

Hey Mark. You're on the mark. Found the ground. Old counterpoise. New counterpoise added later I guess.

Thanks.