Outside TV Antenna Installation - a Step by Step Guide

There are some basic Standard Practices for installing an antenna and cables to get the best signal, and have a durable and as safe as possible installation.

1 - Antenna Placement

ANTENNA
•	As High as Possible.
•	Pointed at Broadcast Towers. Find pointing angles at Find Towers.
•	Clear Line-of-Sight to Towers.
•	Well Away from Overhead Power Lines. - Avoid accidental line contact. - Dangerous to work around. - In most local electrical codes.

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 receive a signal that is out of the beam at lower 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.

2 - Mast

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

Mast Side-Roof Mount

Tripod Roof Mount

3 - Coax Cable Installation

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. Reduces wind loosening connection. extra cable for repairs.
Use Insulated Cable Straps to secure to structure.

COAX GROUND BLOCK
Mount Ground Block near home conduit. Align connectors horizontally if possible. Use a weather boot on both connections. Form a Coax Drip Loop at the conduit.

4 - Ground Wire

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

Antenna Ground

Mast Ground Clamp
Copper (Cu) or Bronze

GROUND WIRE OPTIONS
AWG -- American Wire Gauge

AWG 10	-	Solid Copper Wire
AWG 17	- -	Bronze Copper-Clad Steel

Uninsulated or Insulated*.
* Some local codes use green insulation.
Continuous, no splices.
Run as straight as possible.
Secure wire to structure
with uninsulated mounts.

5 - Antenna Grounding

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 to 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 to be green.

EARTH GROUND
The antenna and cable ground wire connect to the electrical service earth ground electrode (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 rod.

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.

6 - Antenna Installation Parts List

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.