How to Ground an Outdoor TV Antenna
This page describes the proper method for grounding an outdoor TV antenna based upon the National Electrical Code (NEC) and NFPA 70. Both the antenna mast AND the coax cable need to be grounded. Outdoor TV antennas can build-up static electricity as a result of simply being outdoors. This static electricity can attract lighting during a thunderstorm. As a result, it is essential that all outdoor TV antennas AND the coax cable are properly grounded. Grounding both the antenna mast and the grounding of the coax cable will route the lighting into the GROUND and not into your house. This page describes the parts required along with the proper method for grounding the antenna mast and the coax cable.
Parts Required to Ground the TV Mast and Ground the Coax Cable
1. Ground Clamp - To Be Used at The TV Antenna Mast
Depending on the size of the antenna mast you have, you will need one of the two ground clamps shown below. The first clamp will fit an antenna mast that is between 1/2 inch to 1 inch diameter. The second ground clamp will fit an antenna mast that is 1 1/4 inch to 2 inch diameter.
| TV Antenna Mast Clamps | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Clamp Manufacturer: Morris |
Clamp Manufacturer: Sigma Electric | ||||
| Clamp Model: 90627 |
Clamp Model: ProConnex 41311 | ||||
| Fits Antenna Mast Sizes: 1/2" - 1" | Fits Antenna Mast Sizes: 1 1/4" - 2" | ||||
| Approx. Price: $9.80 ea. | Approx. Price: $10.49 ea. | ||||
2. Ground Rod Clamp or Two Split Bolts - To be used at the home's ground rod or the home's ground wire
You will need either a ground rod clamp or two split bolts. It depends on if you will be connecting the antenna ground wire to your home's ground rod or connecting the antenna ground wire to your home's ground wire. If your house has a ground wire, you will need two split bolts. If your house has a ground rod, you will need a ground rod clamp. One for the connecting the antenna mast ground wire and another split bolt to connect the coax cable ground wire to your houses ground wire.
| Ground Rod Clamps & Split Bolts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Type: Ground Rod Clamp |
Type: Split Bolt | ||||
| Manufacturer: Morris |
Manufacturer: Thomas & Betts | ||||
| Model: 90638 |
Model: 1-4 Split Bolt Connector | ||||
| Fits Antenna Mast Sizes: 1/2" - 1" | Fits Antenna Mast Sizes: 1 1/4" - 2" | ||||
| Approx. Price: $9.80 ea. | Approx. Price: $10.49 ea. | ||||
3. Ground Block for the Coax Cable
The ground block is used to ground the outdoor coax cable. Simply connect the ground block, anywhere along the coax cable, between the outdoor antenna and before the coax cable enters the house. Connect the wire to the ground block and extend the wire all the way to the ground rod clamp or the split bolts. Connect the wire to the ground rod clamp or split bolt.
| Coax Cable Ground Block | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | |||||
| Brand: PHAT SATELLITE INTL | |||||
| Part #: 10 AWG | |||||
4. Antenna Ground Wire - 10 Gage Copper Wire or Thicker
The wire gets connected to the mast ground clamp. The wire is then extended to and connected to the ground rod clamp and/or the split bolts. Another wire is needed to ground the coax cable. This wire should be connected to the coax cable ground block and extend to the ground rod clamp and/or the split bolts. Be sure to use a solid copper wire that is 10 AWG or thicker. Purchase enough length so that you will have enough length to extend the wire starting from the antenna mast clamp to your home's ground rod or ground wire. Also, purchase enough wire length so you can extend it starting from the coax cable ground block to the ground rod clamp and/or the split bolts.
| 10 AWG Wire | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Brand: PHAT SATELLITE INTL | |||||
| Part #: 10 AWG (or thicker) | |||||
5. Wire Cutters
Almost any brand of wire cutters will work.
| Wire Cutters | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Brand: BOOSDEN | |||||
| Part #: 6.5" - 1 Pack | |||||
| Approx. Price: $6.98 | |||||