Outside TV Antenna Installation Standard Practices

Proper antenna installation will get the best signal possible and be durable. It will also provide as much protection as possible from lightning strikes. This page describes installation from the National Electrical Code (NEC) and industry standard practices.

ANTENNA
•	As High as Possible.
•	Pointed at Broadcast Towers. Find Pointing Angles (Tower Locator).
•	Clear Line-of-Sight to Towers.
•	Well Away from Overhead Power Lines. - Avoids signal interference. - Dangerous to work around. - Reduces accidental line contact.

Antenna Pointing Angle
The antenna should be pointed such that the towers are within about 60° for a high gain antenna, and 30° for a Very High Gain antenna. An antenna will still receive a signal that is out of the beam, but at reduced power. The more out of the beam the lower the signal.

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

TV antenna mast are typically;

• Circular Tubing
• 5 - 6 feet long.
• 1.25 inch outer diameter.
• 18 gauge galvanized steel.
Never connect more than 2 sections.

MAST MOUNTS
There are various types of mast mounting hardware. Mounting brackets have different stand-off spacing lengths. Use a spacing that ensures the mast clearance needed. Two or more mounting points has better wind resistance than a single point mount.

Chimney Mount

Eave Gable Mount

Side Structure Mount

Side or Roof Mount

Tripod Roof Mount

Protect all outside coax cable connections with a weather boot. This includes connecting to the antenna, ground block, and cable-to-cable.

INSTALLATION
RG-6 Coax Cable Quad Shield recommended. RG-59 or RG-11 will work. See Hardware / Cables.
Connect Coax Cable to Antenna. Use a connector Weather Boot.
Loop Coax Cable Around Mast. Tie Wrap to Mast. Extra cable for repairs.
Insulated Cable Straps Secures to structure. Reduces wind loosening cable connections.

Connect a ground wire to the antenna mast with a ground clamp. Secure the ground wire to the structure using uninsulated (or insulated) mounts.

ANTENNA GROUND

Mast Ground Clamp
Copper (Cu) or Bronze

Ground Wire Options American Wire Gauge (AWG)
AWG 10	- Solid Copper Wire
AWG 17 AWG 17	- Bronze - Copper-Clad Steel

•	Uninsulated or Insulated Wire Some local codes require green insulation.
• • • •	Continuous, no splices Run as straight as possible Inside or Outside Insulated mounts not required

COAX GROUND BLOCK
Mount near home conduit. Mounted inside or outside. Use a Coax Drip Loop at the conduit. Outside Ground Block - Align connectors horizontally if possible. - Use a weather boot on both connections.

There are 2 methods for grounding antennas and cables, Single Wire Common Ground and 2 Wire Parallel Ground. Both methods are permitted by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Some local electrical codes require a 2 Wire Ground, and some require insulated ground wires must be green. A two Wire Ground is recommended for antennas with a preamp or rotor.

Grounding Systems
National Electrical Code

Single Wire
Common Ground

1 Ground Wire:
- Mast to / through
  ground block to
  earth ground.
Not Permitted in some Local Codes.

2 Wire
Parallel Ground

2 Ground Wires:
- Antenna mast to earth ground.
- Ground block to earth ground.
Recommended for Antennas
with a Preamp or Rotor.

Some local codes have additional requirements.
-- 2 Wire Parallel Ground System .
-- An insulated ground wire must be green.

EARTH GROUND
The antenna and cable ground wire connect to the electrical service earth ground electrode also called power ground rod. The power service ground rod runs directly from the power meter into the ground. A copper (Cu) or bronze ground clamp or a bonding termination is used to connect the ground wire to the power service ground.

An antenna mast or cable within 5 feet of a swimming pool must be bonded to the pool bounding grid (ground).

INSIDE GROUND
The Ground Block can be mounted just inside the home, and the Ground Wire can connect to the earth ground terminal in the power breaker/fuze panel.

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.

Typical Parts List

Quantity	Description
1	Antenna (see Antennas)
1	Mast & Mountings
1	Coax Ground Block
Feet	Coax Cable (see Cables)
Feet	Ground Wire
1 to 3	Coax Connector Weather Boots
1 to 3	Ground Clamp
0 to 1	Bonding Termination
multiple	Insulated Cable Straps
multiple	Uninsulated mounts.
multiple	Tie Wraps / Zip Ties
multiple	Screws, washers, etc.