Quote:
Originally Posted by OTAtime
So, is this protection for humans near mast/antenna in case of a potential voltage?
What is the appropriate wire size that should be used for this (ground from mast to earth)? For example, a case where antenna is approx 30' from earth ground rod in the attic.
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The goal is to prevent an unsafe voltage difference between any part of the antenna system, including the coax, and any other exposed parts of the home electrical system and the connected appliances and fixtures. This is first and foremost to protect humans, if replaceable items such as TVs get protected, that's a bonus.
The NEC code (Article 810.21 (H)) calls for wire not smaller than #10 AWG copper. The code also allows for two other types of wire...
I spent a few extra cents per foot and used the larger diameter #8 AWG copper. My run is also between 20 and 30' from outdoor mast to the closest ground rod that's part of my electrical service ground system. The coax is run on the outside of the building, to a coax grounding block that's less than 2' from the same ground rod. The connections from the coax grounding block to the ground rod should also be not smaller than #10 AWG copper.