2 best grounding rod for antenna

A grounding rod for an antenna, often referred to as a ground rod or earth ground, is an essential component in antenna installation to ensure safety and proper functioning.Here's what you need to know about grounding rods for antennas:

Purpose of Grounding:
- The primary purpose of grounding an antenna system is to provide a safe path for electrical discharge, such as lightning strikes, to reach the ground safely. This helps protect your equipment, your home, and the people inside from potential electrical damage or fire hazards.
Components:
- A grounding rod for an antenna typically consists of a long metal rod, usually made of copper or galvanized steel, which is buried vertically in the ground near the base of the antenna system.
- Copper or aluminum grounding wire is used to connect the antenna's metal components (mast, coaxial cable, etc.) to the grounding rod.
Installation:
- The grounding rod should be driven into the ground to a depth specified by local electrical codes or antenna installation guidelines. This depth ensures a good electrical connection with the earth.
- The grounding wire should be securely attached to both the antenna mast and the grounding rod using appropriate clamps or connectors. It's important to make sure the connections are tight and corrosion-resistant.
Path to Ground:
- The grounding rod provides a low-resistance path to the ground. In the event of a lightning strike or electrical surge, the electrical energy is directed safely into the ground, bypassing your electronic equipment and preventing damage.
- Proper grounding also helps reduce the risk of static buildup, which can affect antenna performance and lead to interference.
Codes and Regulations:
- Local electrical codes and regulations often dictate the specific requirements for grounding antennas. Compliance with these codes is essential to ensure safety and avoid legal issues.
- It's advisable to consult with a licensed electrician or antenna installation professional to ensure your grounding system meets local requirements.
Maintenance:
- Regular inspection and maintenance of the grounding system are important to ensure its effectiveness. Check for loose connections, corrosion, and damage to the grounding wire or rod.
- Over time, corrosion can weaken the electrical connection, so it's a good practice to periodically clean and re-tighten connections as needed.
Antenna Type:
- The size and type of antenna may influence the grounding requirements. Larger antennas or those installed on tall masts may require more robust grounding systems.

In summary, a grounding rod for an antenna is a crucial safety measure to protect your equipment and home from electrical damage, particularly in the event of lightning strikes or power surges. Proper installation and maintenance of the grounding system are essential for its effectiveness. Always adhere to local codes and regulations when installing antenna grounding systems.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best grounding rod for antenna on the market

WINEGARD CM-2012 Antenna Chimney Mount

Winegard

Based on 146 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Winegard CM-2012 Antenna Chimney Mount

User questions & answers

Question:	how do you tighten the clamps
Answer:	Pliers, wrench, ratchet, just about anything you have.
Question:	What size are the u-bolts? Will this fit a 2" OD pole
Answer:	The U-Bolts in the CM-2012 Chimney Mount Kit will accommodate a mast with an outside diameter up to 1 3/4"" - not 2". I measured them twice. It seems odd since the U-Bolt Winegard supplies with their "UFO" type omnidirectional antenna such as the MS-3005 MetroStar Digital 360 will accommodate a 2" O.D. mast. Again, the U-Bolts in the CM-2012 will fit a mast up to 1 3/4". Hope this helps.
Question:	OK - someone tell me how long the straps are
Answer:	Two 12' rolls. I need 18' ea. to wrap my chimney, so am looking for more strapping. Hardware is ok but I wouldn't expect it to last more than 10-15 yrs.
Question:	How Wide are the straps? I need to but more
Answer:	Straps are 1/2" wide

Leviton Chimney Strap Mount Bracket for Roof Antenna 10-Ft Straps C5921

Leviton

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Leviton C5921 chimney mount made of galvanized metal. Securely mounts TV antenna to a chimney. Chimney bracket is 1-1/2" wide and accept pipe with 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" outer diameter. Strapping is 5/8" wide. Contains: two chimney brackets, four eye bolts, two 10 ft. straps, four strap clamps, two U-bolts, and eight eyebolt nuts. Be sure that the chimney (or whatever you are attaching it to) is strong enough to support the antenna!

User questions & answers

Question:	Can this be used with Antenna's Direct C4-CJM: http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-C4-CJM-20-Inch-ClearStream/dp/B008PBTPOI/ref=sr_1_18?ie
Answer:	In one of the photos showing the antenna,it appears that the antenna pole is fastened to a piece of wood and the wood is mounted vertically. I suppose it is possible to strap the piece of wood onto the chimney using the chimney strap mounting and then mount the antenna on the piece of wood as shown in the photo.
Question:	I am getting a clearstream 2amp 60 mile antenna. i want to know if the ez 29=36 will work with it. i am mechanically illiterate. lol
Answer:	These chimney mounts are designed to mount a 1" - 1.25" antenna mast to your chimney. So as long as the mast pipe you are planning to use will be 1.25" or less, these chimney mounts will work. This antenna has a u-bolt on the back of it that the mast or mount will connect to. That u-bolt probably accepts 1" - 1.25" pipe, though I don't see any specification on the u-bolt size on the manufacturer's website. Hope that helps.
Question:	they work fine. i have one question. my mast is 10 ft. high. my straps are 18" apart. are they far enough apart to keep it from swaying
Answer:	Of course there will be some sway, depending on length of mast, separation of straps, weight of antenna/load, winds, et al. Remember, it's a leverage thing!Assuming you pick a given mast length to achieve a minimum necessary antenna/load height at your location, here are a few things to do to make it sway less (good) and be more durable to weather (good too), plus handle loads (better):1- Separate the straps as far as you can, given the chimney/mounting. Obviously, 18" is better than 12", but 24" is even better! Remember leverage?2- Use a shorter mast, if feasible, since there will likewise be less leverage under winds, etc.3- Don't overlook an excellent arrangement, if your chimney/mount allows - Use the straps up high, plus pivot the mast from the ground level. You can place a simple stake in the ground and fit it into the bottom of the mast to prevent sideways moves. Thus the mast leverage advantage is dramatically better, with much less sway. And you can handle a much higher wind or bigger load. Of course, you need a bit more mast (such as adding the length between the ground and the previous mast bottom) but it's worth it. On a typical house, that likely means 20 feet of mast, vice 10. Also, for maintenance or repair, you simply loosen the clamps at the strap u-bolts, and tilt the whole thing down to the ground to work on it. Sure safer and easier than balancing on the roof, trying to unbolt and balance the antenna/load and mast while trying to hand it down to somebody ( who should have their hard hat on?? ;-) Hope this helps, and Good Luck! :-)
Question:	How is the 3" stand off measured? Is that to the mast center line or the minimum distance from the brick to the closest edge of the mast
Answer:	Measurement refers to the actual clearance between the edge of the chimney and the mast.
Question:	Can i use a 1 3/8 pole
Answer:	Should work. I used it with 1-1/4 EMT conduit which is about 1.5" OD and was fine.
Question:	Would this work on large tree
Answer:	Would it connect to a large tree? Probably ...check the dimensions. Would it be a good idea? Perhaps not. The tree branches could physically interfere with the antenna and dense tree branches and tree trunks can electrically interfere with an antenna.
Question:	Would this work on large tree
Answer:	I would imagine it would as long as the tree circumference is less than 18'. (AKA diameter less than ~5 feet)
Question:	How many feet is each of the straps? I have a large chimney. How long is the pole? Would it help to get a longer one
Answer:	Each strap is 18 feet long. There are 2 straps one for the bottom mount and one for the top. The pole IS NOT included so you have to come up with your own pole. I got a 10' stick of 1" diameter rigid conduit for my pole because on my chimney that gave me the height I needed.
Question:	I jabe a chimney that's 28 foot round. Whay do have tjat could be used
Answer:	You would need extra straps and couplings to connect straps together. You would need help installing. It could work. But I wouldn't. I'd get strong masonary/concrete lag bolts. Installing them with a concrete glue. In the holes you screw into. This would be a much easier method for you than trying to wrap 28' of strapping around the chimney. Good luck.
Question:	Can I install 10 feet Swedged Pole using with this kit on the chimney
Answer:	That's what I did with it using 1.25 inch diameter mast.
Question:	How wide are the steel straps for this mount, and what guage are they
Answer:	the straps are 3/4" wide, I'm not sure of the guage, somewhere around 22 to 24
Question:	What is max mast length
Answer:	You need to calculate the wind load of the items installed on the mast considering the maximum winds in your area. I;d suggest using at least 70MPH and likely higher. A 10 foot mast is lilkely too long, unless you are supporting a simple vertical antenna.
Question:	I wish to use a 1.25" galvanized emf conduit which has a 1.510" outside diameter. will this little bit larger pipe fit ok in the u bolt and clamp
Answer:	A 1.5" OD tube will not be clamped as securely as a 1.25" OD tube. The larger (1.5") tube might fit between the two bolts that clamps the two sides together , but there will be fewer points of contact and thus the clamping force will be lower. Why not use the proper tubing? Also the EMT may have thinner walls than TV Mast material. You should be very careful to calculate the wind load and consider that chimneys are not designed for very high torsional loads.