Why there is an earthing for wireless radio with yagi antenna?

hi all

i saw a wireless radio (VHF/UHF) with yagi antenna above building and there was a earthing for such radio and for the mast of the antenna



my ques. is this earthing for safety only or it has a role in antenna operation


thx all
bye

Quoted from:
"Antenna Safety Tips"
http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...t/safeswl.html

Regards,
IanP

It is for safety.

In the event of a thunderstorm the earth will allow some static charge to bleed off slightly reducing the chance of a lightening strike. If the mast is struck by lightening it provides a path to ground so the radio equipment will probably just not work anymore rarther than explode.

If there is a fault in some equipement and mains electricity is connected to the antenna cable the earth provides a path for current to flow and blow the fuse/breaker.
Without an earth if a mains wire became connected to the antenna someone could get a shock from the antenna and fall off their ladder.