Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Adver-
tise
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
pub  Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989



-----

Non-conductive metal for lightning rod




I'm asked to bid a 130' tall pole with a 2' 6" base and ground mounted in Las Vegas Nevada is there any non conductive metals I could use.

Thanks,

Kevin Watson
set builder - Van Nuys, California, USA
2004


simultaneous replies

NO. By definition, metals are conductive. Maybe fiberglass? In any case, for something that tall you need a structural engineer.

Tom Gallant
- Long Beach, California, USA



Metals, by definition, as electrically conducting. The only way to make them "non conducting" is to put an insulator, such as a piece of plastic, in series between two rods.

trevor crichton
Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK



Yes you can use a Aluminium with Zinc plating bar which is fully non-conductive. It is used for engine testing on turbofan systems. Its an expensive but safe option.

Jhon Smith
- Las Vegas, Nevada
2004



Huh?

We appreciate the response, Jhon, but I think you've certainly misunderstood something.

Ted Mooney, finishing.com
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004



Where can I get some of that Aluminium with Zinc plating from? I have really bright bulbs for my car, and it is melting away the plastic plug. I want to make something that will stand the heat - this Aluminium with Zinc plating sounds like a good idea if it isn't conductive.

Alex
- Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
2006



Teflon coating is a material which is zero conductivity and its melting temperature is 327 °C. Hope it helps

Rhodam Evans
- Johannesburg, South Africa
2007




(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories:

 
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g, Train'g
& Software


About/Contact  -  Privacy Policy  -  ©1995-2024 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA  -  about "affil links"