Grounding the Satellite System

Grounding the satellite system to the central building ground helps protect it and other components from lightning damage. Different brands of satellite systems may have special grounding requirements. However, dish installation should comply with local codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC). Refer to your satellite system’s user guides for any other additional grounding information. Grounding the satellite system is something you can probably do yourself. But if you’re not sure, you should contact a qualified electrician. Acceptable central building ground points 

• Grounded interior metal cold water pipe within five feet of the point where it enters the building.

• Grounded metallic service raceway.

• Grounded electrical service equipment enclosure.

• Eight-foot grounding rod driven into the ground (only if bonded to the central building ground by #6 or heavier bonding wire). You can buy a grounding rod at Home Depot or Lowes.

• Other acceptable grounding electrodes that comply with sections 250 and 810 of the National Electrical Code (NEC)

IMPORTANT: The United States National Electrical Code specifies that coaxial cable that is exposed to lightning shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as possible.

Routing and Grounding the Cables

1. Attach the grounding block to the side of your house close to the point you have chosen as the coaxial cable entry point. You may have to use anchors, togglers, or wood screws depending on the surface on which you are mounting the grounding block. 

Step 1: Attach the grounding block to side of your house at your designated entry point.

CAUTION:  It is extremely important to ground the dish AND the coaxial cables to a single point in the central building ground. A nearby lightning strike can easily damage an ungrounded dish, the receiver and your TV. Connecting both ground wires to the same point in the central building ground meets code requirements and provides the best protection for your equipment.

2. Route the coaxial cable and messenger (ground) wire from the bottom of the mast to the grounding block. 

3. Make a 3"- 5" drip loop using cable clips at the grounding block. This will prevent water from running into the connection at the grounding block.

4. Place some silicone grease on the connector and connect the coaxial cable to the grounding block

5. Secure the messenger (ground) wire to the grounding block. 

6. Locate the central building ground.

7. Use a grounding wire (#10 copper or #8 aluminum) that will extend from the grounding block to the central building ground. Attach the grounding wire to the grounding block by placing it through the wire hole in the grounding block and tightening the screw.

8. Route the grounding wire from the grounding block to the central building ground, and connect to the central building ground.

Cable Routing Tips

• If you are routing the grounding wire along the ground, make sure the wire is buried deep enough so that it will not be damaged or uncovered. 

• If you are routing the wire or cable above the ground, use cable clips to secure the two to a wall or surface.

• Whether you live in the city or the country, Make sure you route the grounding wire in an area where people or animals are not likely to come in contact with the cable.