Grounding The Satellite System To Avoid Lightning Damage

Grounding a satellite system is the process of attaching the system to a ground wire or rod to help protect it from lightning strikes. When a lightning strike occurs, the electrical current from the strike can travel through the ground and into the satellite system, potentially damaging the equipment. By grounding the system, you can help prevent this damage by providing a path for the electrical current to follow to the ground instead of through the satellite system.

Table of Contents

1 Local Code:

2 Acceptable central building ground points

3 Routing and Grounding the Cables

4 Cable Routing Tips

5 Running Cable Into the House

6 Making the Final Connections

7 Disclaimer:

8 General Informational and Instructional Links:

To properly ground a satellite system, you will need to install a grounding rod or wire at the base of the dish. The grounding wire should be attached to the dish and run to the grounding rod, which should be driven into the ground. The grounding rod should be made of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum and should be buried deep enough in the ground to be effective.

In addition to grounding the dish itself, it is also important to ground any other components of the satellite system, such as the receiver, cables, and any other equipment. This can be done by using grounding blocks and grounding straps to connect these components to the grounding wire.

By properly grounding your satellite system, you can help protect it from lightning damage and ensure that it continues to operate reliably.

Local Code:

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.

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.

Running Cable Into the House

Drill a hole in the location you want the coaxial cable to enter. CAUTION Before drilling, make sure there are no wires or pipes behind the wall in the area of the hole
Place some silicone grease on the connector and connect the RG-6 coaxial cable that will extend from the grounding block to the receiver.
Make a 3” – 5” drip loop using cable clips at the grounding block.
Route the coaxial cable through your house to the back of the receiver. You may route the coaxial cable through a floor or wall or directly to the back of the receiver. If you are routing through a wall, you may choose to install a wall plate at the point the coaxial cable enters the inside of the house and use a third RG-6 coaxial cable.
Use a silicone sealant to seal all outside connections and the hole you drilled for the coaxial cable to enter your house.

Making the Final Connections

Connect the RG-6 coaxial cable to the SATELLITE IN jack at the back of the receiver as shown. DO NOT connect the coaxial cable to the IN FROM ANTENNA jack!
Take a phone off the hook to prevent electric shock from incoming calls.
Connect a phone cord from the back of the receiver to a phone jack.

Disclaimer:

Please note that grounding a satellite system is an important safety measure to help protect the equipment from lightning damage. However, grounding the system does not guarantee that it will be completely protected from lightning strikes. It is possible that lightning could still cause damage to the system, even if it is properly grounded.

In addition, it is important to follow all manufacturer instructions and guidelines when grounding the system to ensure that it is done correctly. Improper grounding of the system could potentially lead to additional damage or even create a safety hazard.

By following these guidelines and taking appropriate precautions, you can help protect your satellite system from lightning damage. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the user to determine the best course of action to protect their equipment.

NOTE: Warranty “does not cover” equipment damage due to lightning and/or electrical surges. Get a surge protector today

General Informational and Instructional Links: