Re: grounding

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Gerry Reynolds" <gerryreynolds-at-earthlink-dot-net> 

There are two trains of thought on this that I believe depend on your
configuration.

1. If you physically locate your NST within what I call the "danger zone"
(ex: under your primary), then safety of not having the NST case grounded to
main ground is not an issue.  Tying everything (NST case, safety gap center
tap, sec coil base) to RF (earth) ground will provide the maximum protection
for your mains distribution (keep any strike return currents out of your
mains ground).  Also use a line filter that is grounded to mains ground but
not connected to NST case.

2. If you physically locate your NST remotely outside of the "danger zone"
(ex: with your control cabinet), safety may be a concern and grounding the
NST to mains ground may be desirable.  If you do this, locate the safety gap
with the NST and ground the center terminal of the safety gap to NST
chassis.  Also locate the Terry filter with the NST and ground its center
node to the NST chassis.  For these configurations, it will be imperative to
NOT have any secondary to primary strikes for as the current will get onto
the mains, go down the distribution branch to earth ground and return to the
secondary base via the RF ground (possibly killing anything on that branch).
A line filter for this case will very likely be fried.

Gerry R
Ft Collins. CO


 > Original poster: Bob81818-at-aol-dot-com
 >
 > I bought plans, and it says to connect everything, both primary and
 > secondary circuits, to the same ground lug. And just now I looked up
 > schematics from some random site, and it says to have two grounds, as well
 > as telling specifically not to have a uniform ground. Whats right here? or
 > are they both right? I understand some people have different ways they
 > build their coil, but it seems like this is kinda something important.
 > Thanks in advance for clearing this subject up.
 >
 >