TV Antenna Installation

1. Antenna Placement
2. Mast
3. Pointing Angle
4. Coax Cables
5. Ground Wire
6. Grounding
7. Parts List

There are some basic Standard Practices for installing an antenna and cables to get the best signal and have a safe (as possible) and durable installation. Outside antennas must be grounded for safety and reception. Sometimes attic antennas are grounded when the cable run is greater than 30 feet. Indoor antennas do not need a ground.

Antennas should be mounted as high as possible and clear of obstructions. Also see the Reception Section;
• Antenna Placement (How to Get It)
• Antenna Height Loss (Signal Factors)
• Indoor Antenna Loss (Signal Factors)

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.

Side structure mast mounts using two sets of brackets is stronger (more wind resistant) than a single bracket or a roof mount. Roof mounts tend to have water leakage problems if not properly installed.

Some mast are designed to connect for extended length. Never connect more the two sections.

A smartphone compass app can be used to locate True North to determine antenna pointing angle. When using a magnetic compass account for the difference between True and Magnetic north. See NOAA's Magnetic Declination Website. Note that local conditions could effect magnetic readings. If possible use landmarks to confirm or establish true north.

NOAA -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Quad shield cable should be used for outside runs. See TV Coax Cables for options (RG-6, RG-11, RG-59).

A rubber weather boot or hermetic connector should be used on all outside connections;
-- cable to antenna,
-- cable-to-cable (if any),
-- cable to and from ground block.

CABLE INSTALLATION
Loop the antenna cable around the mast. Secures the cable and reduces wind movement loosening antenna connection. Allows for a little extra cable near the antenna for repairs, new antenna, etc. Tie-wrap cable to mast. Secure cable to siding with insulated cable straps. Ground block mounted near the home conduit. Antenna cable connects to ground block. Home cable connects to ground block. Drip Loop just before the cable enters the home. Prevents water from collecting at the home conduit.

The ground wire should be number 10, or heavier, solid copper wire.

A copper (Cu) or bronze Ground Clamp connects the ground wire to the antenna mast. The ground wire can be connected to the earth ground with a ground clamp or a bonding termination.

AWG -- American Wire Gauge

There are 2 methods for grounding antennas and outside cable systems;

• Single POINT Ground,
• Single WIRE Ground.

Single POINT Ground is specified for all outside antennas in some local electrical codes, and sometimes preferred for active antennas (preamp and/or rotor). Single WIRE Ground is a littler cleaner installation and common in passive antennas (no preamp and/or rotor).

Single POINT Ground Active or Passive Antenna. 2 ground wires: Antenna mast to earth ground. Ground block to earth ground. Some local electrical codes require.

Single WIRE Ground Passive Antenna (no preamp or rotor). 1 ground wire: Antenna mast to / through ground block to earth ground. Cleaner installation.

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EARTH GROUND
The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies the electrical service earth ground be used as the antenna and cable earth ground. The service ground is the electrode conductor ground rod or ground pipe running directly from the power meter into the ground. Some codes allow the power service earth ground be picked-up inside the home from the Breaker / Fuze Panel ground bus bar. The ground block can also be inside but close to the home 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.

OTA DTv TV Antenna Installation