Antenna Grounding Question

[Kyle]

I'm thinking about getting an outdoor antenna and putting it on my roof. My question is probably dumb, but is it important that I ground the antenna somehow? If so, which I'm assuming it is, how does a person go about doing that? I've never grounded anything in my life. Where would I ground it to and with what?

[SWHouston]

Greetings Kyle, and welcome to the Forum.

A simple answer to your queston is, YES

Now how you do it varies, depending on how it’s set up. When one is running Guy Wires, they can be grounded as the meet the Structure. A simple wire down to the ground, and a couple feet of Iron Rod or Pipe, with appropriate clamps. If it’s more “commercial” roof, there’s usually a “cold” water Pipe in the area, where it can be used. So, clamp to Mast, run wire, clamp to something metal which is grounded. (inexpensive Stranded or Solid 16/14 ga wire)

The general idea, is not that you’re trying to make the Ground capable of taking a Lightning Strike, but, to shunt any Static Electricity off of the system, which can cause interference. But, without any more specifics about how you wish to mount it, that’s about as close as I can get.

If you’d like, tell us more about the Mast, height and what sort of hardware you will use, and there may be more information I can provide. Many do not ground Outside Antennas, assuming that the Shield of the Coax will do. Unfortunately, most of our Equipment now, only has a Two Wire Power Cord, and
I always run a separate ground my system, the extra step will provide a much more reliable signal.

If you aren't sure just what type hardwear to use, go to the Home Page here on the Forum, and click on the links to...
Solid Signal, Winegard or ChannelMaster, then follow thier links to Pages for that equipment.

Additionally, there may be some information which could be helpfull at:
getting-started-antennas-the-where-t34.html
and
http://www.hdtvantennalabs.com/mounting-tv-outdoor.php

Have a good Day !

[Kyle]

Thanks, I figured it was a good idea to ground the antenna! I'm not real sure which one I want to get yet, but I do have another question.

When I decide on an outdoor antenna to buy, will it come with everything I need in order to ground it, or will I need to purchase that stuff seperately?

[SWHouston]

Kyle,
Make sure if you order it online, that you read the "inclusions" (what's in the box) real good !
You can buy some clamps and wire and get it done that way, but, there's also some kits available.
Check out the Home page here, and when you choose one of the Vendors, it probably will have a tab called "accessories", and click on that.

Peraonally, I'd just go to the Hardware Store and get the stuff, but, that's up to you.
That way you don't have to buy any more wire than you need.

Remember you should also ground your Coax in the Attic, IF that's a route you may take.
Lots of Splitters have a Ground Lug on um, and it's real easy to jump it over to cold Water Pipe up there.
That way you got it for sure.

Glad to help ya, and am proud of you for doing this yourself.

Have a good Day !

PS: You might check out
getting-started-antennas-the-where-t34.html
You probably know a lot of that stuff, but maybe i''ll say something that helps there to.