How to Ground an Outdoor TV Antenna: Difference between revisions

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== Parts Required to Ground the TV Mast and Ground the Coax Cable ==
== Parts Required to Ground the TV Mast and Ground the Coax Cable ==
=== 1. Ground Clamp for the TV Antenna Mast ===
=== 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.
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.



Revision as of 19:09, 22 May 2024

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 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
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. If your house has a ground wire, you may need two split bolts. 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
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

Be sure to use a solid wire that is 10 AWG or thicker.

10 AWG Wire
Brand: PHAT SATELLITE INTL
Part #: 10 AWG


4. Ground Block for the Coax Cable

5. Wire Cutters

Grounding the TV Antenna Mast

Grounding the TV Antenna Coax Cable