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 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 Building's Ground Wire
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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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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. 10 Gage Copper Wire
Be sure to use a solid wire that is 10 AWG or thicker.
| 10 AWG Wire | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Brand: PHAT SATELLITE INTL | |||||
| Part #: 10 AWG
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