I am installing a new external TV antenna on the back of my house. The house grounding block is about 100 ft away from the new antenna, around the other side of the house. There is an existing exposed 6AWG ground wire that runs through my basement (serves, I think the gas meter on the other aside of the house).
Trying to tun 100' of 6 AWG ground wire from the antenna to the existing house grounding block, making a number of 90 degree bends in doing so, does't excite me (and I'm not sure that all those 90 degree bends are good for it).
I can run the antenna grounds (mast and coax) to a new ground rod. It would not be difficult for me to run a ground wire from that rod to the existing 6 AWG ground wire running through the basement. Can I (should I) do this – clip the new ground wire from the rod to the existing 6AWG wire in my basement, thus bonding the house ground to my new rod. It's sure much easier than trying to run that wire outside the house with all its 90 degree turns.
Best Answer
For lightning protection, the antenna and mast should be connected directly to a ground rod. Use straight runs and avoid splices.
Even nearby lightning, as opposed to a direct hit. creates very high magnetic and induced electric fields, so avoid sharp bends in the ground wire and do not run near or parallel to other wiring.
Ground wire and rods are fairly inexpensive and are easily installed. Note that the size of the ground rod(s) depends on soil conductivity -- check local conditions.