[Charles]

Several months ago Gary made the comment regarding the fire hazard inherent in an outdoor FM antennae. My tuner (MR87) occupies a prominent position on my rack but I never turn it on except for Christmas. I thought how ironic if the person (me) that has gone to such efforts to protect from fire has left his home totally vulnerable through an improperly grounded antennae. The antennae has been up for at least 20 years.

Bottom line: my antennae was basically not grounded at all. Now it is with and 8 foot deep ground rod done by an excellent electrician who completely re-did the ground. He also added a surge protector junction box to my 75 ohm cable. As Gary pointed out and corroborated by the electrician nothing will protect against a direct strike but there are many instances of heavy surges that can be largely mitigated. I am so glad that my house has been spared for all these many years from a fire due to a piece of equipment I never even turn on. Thank you Gary.