Winegard SP-1002 Example of Antenna Grounding as per National Electrical Code, Cable Selection

Example of Antenna Grounding as per

National Electrical Code

1.Mount the 75 ohm grounding block or discharge unit as close as possible to where the downlead enters the house.

2.The ground wires for both the mast and the downlead should be copper or aluminum wire, number eight (8) or larger.

3.The downlead wire from the antenna to the antenna grounding block or discharge unit and the mast ground wire should be secured to the house with stand-off insulators, spaced from four (4) to six (6) feet apart.

NOTE: In the case of a “ground up” antenna installation, it may not be necessary to ground the mast if the mast extends four or more feet into the ground. Consult your local code or a licensed electrician for the proper depth in your location.

Example of antenna grounding as per

National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70

		Antenna Lead
		In Wire
	Antenna Mast
	Ground
Electric	Clamp
Service		Antenna75 ohm coax
Equipment		DischargeGroundingUnitBlock
		(NEC Section 810-21)

Grounding Conductor

(NEC Art 250, Part H)

Ground

Clamps

Power Service Grounding

Electrode System

(NEC Art 250, Part H)

NEC - National Electrical Code

Using Preamplifiers and Distribution Amplifiers

Amplifiers do not increase the antenna’s signal. Amplifiers can overcome any cable and splitter loss to improve signal strength at the tuner. They help get the signal to the tuner in installations with multiple TVs or long cable runs in weak signal areas. Long cable runs result in 50% loss of signal for every 100 ft of RG6.

Avoid using preamps and amplifiers in urban areas, as the strong signal in these areas may be overdriven by additional amplification.

Cable Selection

RG6 is now the industry standard for coaxial cable. The greatest advantage to using this cable over the traditional RG59 is a bit less cable loss. RG6 is rated at -6dB loss per 100’ run, while RG59 is rated at -8dB loss for the same run. This could be a consideration if cable loss is a factor in your installation.

Antennas are often returned that are in perfect working order. Be sure to check all connectors for proper installation and fit, or for corrosion on existing installations and perform a channel scan anytime you have a reception problem.

Troubleshooting Ideas

•Rotate and Rescan. Many signal problems can be solved by re-aiming your antenna.

•If the antenna is indoors, try a different location and rescan.

•Check coax for corrosion and shorts.

•If you are having trouble receiving signal, try a direct connection from the antenna to the tuner with a new coax cable.

•Run a new channel scan once each month to find new channels that are added to your area or if you have moved the antenna.

•Check the knowledge base http://www.winegard.com/kbase/index.php

•Call Winegard, 1-800-788-4417

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