[mythtv-users] OT: Wiring a new construction home for A/V, Ethernet, etc

[Allen Edwards]

On Wed, Dec 3, 2008 at 10:48 AM, David Brodbeck <gull at gull.us> wrote:
> On Wed, December 3, 2008 8:05 am, Allen Edwards wrote:
>>>  > The other issue is grounds.  You want everything grounded to the same
>>>  > reference point.
>
>>>  > This goes for the TV antenna,
>>>
>>> That is pretty much impossible to achieve in practice, in part because
>>> of
>>> code issues.  In every jurisdiction I'm familiar with, a ground block is
>>> required on the exterior of the building in the immediate vicinity of
>>> where
>>> the downlead enters the structure; and a dedicated ground MUST be run
>>> from
>>> this block by the most direct path possible, even if that means (as it
>>> sometimes does) a separate copper rod in the dirt.
>
> You can still effectively create a single-point ground by bonding the
> ground rods together with a low-resistance conductor -- copper wire, say.
> Use a fairly heavy gauge, not so much for resistance reasons but because
> it will be less likely to corrode through and fall off that way.
>
> A single ground rod doesn't provide a very good RF or lightning ground, so
> in serious antenna installations it's not uncommon to drive several rods
> and bond them together.
>
>> I was unaware you need a permit or an inspection to put up a TV
>> antenna, btw.
>
> In most places you don't.  HOWEVER, if you do a TV antenna installation
> that's not up to code, and a lightning strike causes your house to burn
> down, your homeowner's insurance may balk at paying up.
>
>
>



If lightening hits your house, some little ground wire isn't going to
help.  10,000 amps.

I have just spent some time trying to find some reference to any code
requirement for TV antennas.  I can't find any and would appreciate a
reference.

Allen