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. 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 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. 10 Gage Copper Wire
Be sure to use a solid wire that is 10 AWG or thicker. Also, purchase enough length so that you will have enough to go from the antenna mast to your home's ground rod or ground wire.
| 10 AWG Wire | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Brand: PHAT SATELLITE INTL | |||||
| Part #: 10 AWG | |||||
4. Ground Block for the Coax Cable
| Coax Cable Ground Block | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Brand: PHAT SATELLITE INTL | |||||
| Part #: 10 AWG | |||||
5. Wire Cutters
| Wire Cutters | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Brand: BOOSDEN | |||||
| Part #: 6.5" - 1 Pack | |||||
| Approx. Price: $6.98 | |||||