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. 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. The following 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 for 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
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

You will need either a ground rod clamp or a split bolt. It depends on if you will be connecting the antenna ground wire to a ground rod or connecting to your house's ground wire.

Ground Rod Clamps & Split Bolts
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. 10 Gage Copper Wire

10 AWG Wire
Type: Ground Rod Clamp
Manufacturer: Morris
Model: 90638
Fits Antenna Mast Sizes: 1/2" - 1"
Approx. Price: $9.80 ea.