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NEC (National Electrical Code) Standards
A Note for the Cable Television (CATV) Installer
This reminder is to call the CATV system installer's attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides
guidelines for proper grounding and in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
Antenna Grounding Outside the House
If an outside antenna is connected to the receiver, be sure the antenna system is grounded so as to provide
some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna-
discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
Cable TV Coaxial Cable, Satellite Dish Cables and Television Antennas should be grounded BEFORE the
point of entry into the house.
Always observe proper antenna or satellite dish grounding techniques. When lightning strikes there is always
the possibility that your antenna or dish (mounted high on the roof) can become a conduit for lightning and
electrically damage any equipment to which it is connected. Additionally, proper grounding offers safety to the
people using the audio/video system in the event of an electrical problem.