For side-mounted antennas, a single ground conductor may be used, but two down conductors are recommended when practical.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Not allowed

Answer: (A)

Grounding side-mounted antennas is about giving a solid, low-impedance path to earth so RF currents and lightning energy have a safe, predictable return path. Using a single down conductor from the antenna mount to the grounding system meets the basic requirement, so it’s allowed. When practical, however, two down conductors are recommended because they improve the grounding effectiveness: they lower the overall grounding impedance by providing an additional return path, help distribute fault and lightning current more evenly, reduce the risk of a single point of failure, and minimize potential differences along the mast and ground system. This combination enhances reliability and safety without requiring a drastic change in the installation, as long as routing and structural considerations permit it.