Grounding cable, antenna, ethernet wires


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Old 08-19-18, 09:44 PM
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Grounding cable, antenna, ethernet wires

I have recently cut the cord, and switched to antenna TV and VOIP phone. I have a large outdoor antenna mounted inside my attic, and all of those cables also run inside the house.

I'm bringing the TV antenna cable, internet provider cable, and ethernet wires together into a second floor closet.

Even though the antenna is not outside, it it still a good idea to ground the antenna cables?

If yes, I think these are my options:
  1. Run a wire from the antenna to a clamp on my 2nd floor copper pipes. (This path is fairly accessible and short.)
  2. Extend the antenna cable to the cable providers ground clamp (I already have to run another wire along this path).
  3. Run a wire from the closet cable splitter to a house outlet ground.

If I should run a wire, what gauge wire?

Thank you in advance.
 
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Old 08-19-18, 10:08 PM
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No need to ground the antenna or any of the supporting cables that are run throughout the home.
The internet provider should/will ground the cable line before it enters the home.
 
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Old 08-20-18, 07:46 AM
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But my antenna cable is not connected to the internet provider's cable or their outside ground.

My antenna cable is only connected to my antenna and my TVs.

The internet provider's cable is only connected to my modem/router.
 
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Old 08-20-18, 10:39 AM
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The internet service provider's cable needs to be connected to your house ground (somewhere on its grounding electrode system). Grounded at the far end on the utility pole is not sufficient.

Usually the fat ground wire running from your main panel to a ground rod is the easiest place to attach a (typically #12) wire used to ground electronic equipment. The other end may be attached to the jack shell onto which the ISP cable was screwed on.

Alternatives #1 and #3 suggested by the OP are incorrect. Grounding to the nearest water pipe or the nearest branch circuit receptacle is not sufficient to meet code although it might be electrically sufficient. Since the intended use stated is not required, this part is academic.
 
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Old 08-20-18, 10:53 AM
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The internet provider should/will ground the cable line before it enters the home.
This is mandatory. All service providers must connect their lines to ground.
This is usually done before the cable enters the home.
 
 

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