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 rooflinemay be subject to local restrictions.
-- Obstructions (hills, structures, trees, etc.) can reduce or block signals.
Other Considerations
Indoor Antenna
-- Works best on or near a window.
Attic Antenna
-- Avoid pointing through metal backed insulation, duct work, etc.
Outdoor Antenna
-- Must be properly grounded for best reception and safety.
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 knowing the location of;
Antenna
Conduit (outside-to-inside)
Coax Ground Block
Should be close to conduit.
Can be outside or inside.
Electrical Service Ground
outside power meter ground pipe or
inside electrical panel ground busbar.
(1.) Mast Mounting
Roof mounts must be installed more carefully to prevent water leaks.
Side structure mounts with 2 point / 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.
(2.) Antenna Pointing Angle
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 compass readings. If possible use landmarks to confirm or establish true north.
Sponsored links
(3.) Antenna Coax Cable
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.
(4.) Antenna Ground Wire
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
(5.) Grounding
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.
Antenna Installation using Outside Ground
Antenna Installation using Inside Ground
The coax ground block should be close to the conduit.
All outside cable connections should be protected with a rubber weather boot or electrical tape.
Cables entering the conduit should have a drip loop to prevent water from collecting at the conduit.
An antenna mast or cable within 5 feet of a swimming pool must be bonded to the pool bounding grid (ground).
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.
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.
