Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - How to ground a TV antenna mast?

I'm getting conflicting information on how to ground a TV antenna mast I plan on putting up in the next month.

One source says to drive an 8 foot grounding stake into the ground, and run sheathed aluminum grounding wire from the mast to this stake. For the coaxial coming down, install a grounding block and run its ground to the same grounding stake.

Another source says to do all this PLUS tie the grounding stake to the house ground using aluminum grounding wire. (I have AL grounding wire going from the water pipe before the meter to the load center, right near where the grounding stake will be.)

I'm a little hesitant to link the grounding stake to my house ground because: it involves passing another (possibly energized) wire through the house, it could energize things in my house that are connected to this ground, there may be potential between the two grounds.

So what is the correct answer? Is there a NEC article/clause that spells this out? I live on a hill and there are frequently lightning strikes nearby, so I want to take measures to minimize risk to my family, house, and appliances.

Thanks

-joe

Chapter 6 on page 19 of this PDF document (http://www.pctinternational.com/channelmaster/0612/pdfs/guide_AntennaInstallation.pdf) details the proper grounding procedure.

Chapter 6 on page 19 of this PDF document (http://www.pctinternational.com/channelmaster/0612/pdfs/guide_AntennaInstallation.pdf) details the proper grounding procedure.

Thanks. However, this document (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/basics.html) mentions "bonding" the ground rod to the service panel's ground. As I mentioned, my service panel gets its ground reference via a thick cable tied onto my water pipe as it enters my house.

So, should my grounding rod be bonded to house ground?

"An interior cold water pipe is acceptable as a ground rod if the connection point is within 5 feet of where the pipe enters the ground."

This is some text from the document you linked to.

I'm no expert, but if you did add a ground rod, I would think you would want to bond it to the water pipe. If there is a voltage potential between the ground rod and water pipe, you wouldn't want that current traveling through your coax and components connected to it.

"An interior cold water pipe is acceptable as a ground rod if the connection point is within 5 feet of where the pipe enters the ground."

This is some text from the document you linked to.

I'm no expert, but if you did add a ground rod, I would think you would want to bond it to the water pipe. If there is a voltage potential between the ground rod and water pipe, you wouldn't want that current traveling through your coax and components connected to it.
I suppose "technically" I have access to the pipe ground by means of the grounding cable attached to the pipe where it enters my basement. So in this case, I'd bond my ground rod to this cable using a #6 grounding wire.

NEC requires the antenna ground be conencted to 'the nearest acccessible location on the following
1. the building or structure ground electrode system as cover by 250.50
2. The grounded interior metal water pipe system within 5 feet of point of entrance to building
3.the power service accessible means external to the building
4.the metalic power service raceway
5.the service entrance encolsure
or
6.the grounding electrode conductor or the ground conductor metal enclosures.


You need to connect your antenna ground the building ground. It can not be a separate system.

NEC requires the antenna ground be conencted to 'the nearest acccessible location on the following
1. the building or structure ground electrode system as cover by 250.50
2. The grounded interior metal water pipe system within 5 feet of point of entrance to building
3.the power service accessible means external to the building
4.the metalic power service raceway
5.the service entrance encolsure
or
6.the grounding electrode conductor or the ground conductor metal enclosures.


You need to connect your antenna ground the building ground. It can not be a separate system.
I don't see "grounding stake" anywhere in that language, but it seems that I should run my antenna ground wire to the Building Ground Electrode System (the ground cable mentioned in my first post).

So how about the grounding stake? Would it be preferable to sink one and bond it to the Building Ground Electrode System using a #6 grounding wire?

(Also, please send me the NEC "chapter and verse" you got this from so I can read it from a copy in the library.)

Thanks.

I would scrap the ground rod and connect your ground to one of the 6 options listed.

NEC 2008 online. Your region might not be on 2008 but grounding code hasn't changed much I don't think. Look around section 810 for antenna grounding and section 250 for general grounding.

http://www.nfpa.org/freecodes/free_access_agreement.asp?id=7008SB

I am getting ready to install my own antenna, and in researching how to do this, came across this post. The document referenced above (the "Off Air Installation Guide"), I am already quite familiar with, as it was the one most referenced in my preious research. However the posts here are complete baffling to me. That document most definitely DOES recommend a grounding stake...it does NOT discuss using the breaker box house ground (like I could even FIND that!) and I was absolutely NOT planning on doing that.

Can someone here clarify this? :confused:

i'm not an electrician, but my father was for 40 years. state and local codes may differ, but he says that coax cable already has ground in it, and grounding it to home ground system should be adequate.

*******has the Channel Master Tv Systems installation book At the starkelectronic web site and it's free to read. In the 'installation' book in chapter 6 it gives nice simple and easy to under stand information. A copper ground rod or copper clad steel ground rod should be driven at least three feet in the ground. I recommend #8 or #10 copper wire , As the old saying goes , 'Copper is Proper' . HomeDepot has ground rods and clamps and ground wire. <><> winegard.com has information on grounding Tv antennas. In the search box at the winegard web site type in 'grounding' and look for the words , Home antenna installation , mast mounting and grounding. Shows nice pictures and every thing. :coffee:

At ********, scroll down to MANUALS ON LINE , click on the words , INSTALLATION BOOK , and then scroll down to Chapter 6. :coffee:

The ' Antenna Discharge Unit' is also known as a 'Grounding Block' , commonly used by but not limited to , cable company and satellite system installers. In my other posts please find places to buy them and you can go to places like home depot. <><> :coffee:

*******has the Channel Master Tv Systems installation book At the starkelectronic web site and it's free to read. In the 'installation' book in chapter 6 it gives nice simple and easy to under stand information. A copper ground rod or copper clad steel ground rod should be driven at least three feet in the ground. I recommend #8 or #10 copper wire , As the old saying goes , 'Copper is Proper' . HomeDepot has ground rods and clamps and ground wire. <><> winegard.com has information on grounding Tv antennas. In the search box at the winegard web site type in 'grounding' and look for the words , Home antenna installation , mast mounting and grounding. Shows nice pictures and every thing. :coffee:

Actually, driving a secondary ground rod is against NEC code!!!!

fred

More information on grounding of television antennas can be found at Antenna Basics (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/antennas/basics.html) At this hdtvprimer.com/antennas/basics , web site move the page down to the nice clear information and diagram on grounding. For more information on subject of television please read my other posts. Thanks :coffee: