Antenna Restrictions Prohibited
Federal law prohibits restrictions (by governments, community and homeowners' associations, and other entities) that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming. Masts higher than 12 feet above the roofline may be subject to local restrictions.

References: FCC OTA Reception Devices Rule, and Federal Regulations Title 47, Subchapter A, Part 1, Subpart S .

Do not install an outside antenna near overhead utility lines, especially power lines. The power line electromagnetic fields can cause interference or signal reduction, and the lines are dangerous to work around.

Coax and ground cable lengths can be estimated once the location of the following are known.

• Roof mounts must be installed more carefully to prevent water leaks.
• Side structure mounts (with 2 point or 2 bracket mounting) is the preferred method.
• Mast
  • Circular tubing.
  • 18-gauge galvanized steel.
  • 1.25 inch outer diameter.
  • 5 - 6 feet long.

Some mast are designed to connect for extended length.

• Attach, aim and secure the antenna.
  If you are unsure of the angle, secure it just enough to easily adjust after everything is hooked up.

When using a compass to point an antenna, account for the difference between True and Magnetic north. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website has detailed information and a calculator for Magnetic Declination. Note that local conditions could effect a magnetic compass reading. If possible use landmarks to confirm or establish true north.

• Connect the coax cable to the antenna,
  • RG-6 quad-shield coax cable is the industry standard.
  • Use a rubber weather boot or electrical tape to protect the connection.
  • Allow for some cable slack by looping the cable around the mast. This is just in case a little extra cable length is needed in the future (repairs, new antenna, etc.).
• Tie-wrap the rest of the cable to the mast.
• Secure the coax cable to the siding with insulated cable straps.

The antenna cable connects directly to a coax ground block, mounted inside or outside and close to the conduit.

• Attach a ground clamp to the mast.
  • The ground clamp should be marked Copper or Cu.
  • Do not use an aluminum (Al) only clamp.
• Connect the ground wire.
  • AWG 10 (#10) or heavier copper wire (Cu).
  • Should be continuous, no splices / connections.
  • Run as straight as possible.
  • Can be bare or insulated.
  • Run inside or outside.

The ground wire runs through (connects to) the coax ground block and continues to the earth ground.

AWG - American Wire Gauge

The National Electrical Code (NEC) recommends using the electrical service ground for the antenna earth ground. Outside grounding can use the power meter ground pipe as earth ground. Inside grounding can use the electrical service panel ground busbar for earth ground.

Outside Ground Show Labels Hide Labels

Inside Ground Show Labels Hide Labels

• The coax ground block should be mounted close to the conduit.
• Cables entering the conduit should have a drip loop to prevent water from collecting at the conduit.
• All outside coax connections should be protected with a rubber weather boot or electrical tape.
• An antenna mast or cable within 5 feet of a swimming pool must be bonded to the pool bounding grid (ground).

Also see Alternative Grounding Systems.

Basic tools needed include a ladder and assorted screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, and maybe a hammer etc. You will also need a wood and/or concrete drill, and appropriate drill bits and screws, for mast mounting.

Over-the-Air Digital TV (OTA DTv) TV Antenna Installation © Copyright 2018