need ground help

[poohhill]

Ground for big dish

[StanW]

An informative post ;

http://www.satfix.net/showthread.php?1167-Info-about-Grounding-Your-Systems

[Terryl]

You can use the switch as a ground block, but I would recommend a ground rod driven in as close to the switch as possible, then a #12 gauge copper wire (with a green jacket) can be run from the metal case of the switch to the new ground rod.

Running all the way to your electrical service ground may take a lot of #12 wire (or a larger #10 if over 30 feet) and also because of the long run could cause a ground loop.

Installers are told to do the electrical service ground as it saves them time and money for the labor of putting in the ground rod, and the cost of the rod.

A close by outdoor metal cold water faucet can also serve as a ground, you have to use the appropriate ground clamp to do so, just wrapping the wire to the pipe or ground rod won't do the job.

[Terryl]

The messenger wire is only for suspending the coax between buildings, and is a steel wire or copper plated steel wire, you should not use it as a ground wire, copper or aluminum should be used, if you use aluminum wire then use the next larger gauge.

The wire can be soild or stranded, solid is best, and it can have a green jacket.

Use 12 or 10 gauge copper wire, run from the dish to the switch then to the ground rod, one solid run of wire is the best, if you have to cut or splice the wire then use what is called a split bolt, this will make the wires like one.

[Terryl]

Ahhh, so there are no mounting posts or holes???

If nothing to put a bolt through then you will have to use a ground block, they come in singe double or quad, be sure its rated to 3 GHz or 2.5 GHz, one for CATV will not work.

If the switch has a hole or something to attach it to the wall then get a brass bolt, nut and washers to connect the ground wire to it.

[Terryl]

Well that's the usual spot, but I prefer to put them as close to the ground rod or main ground point as possible, or right after remember your only grounding the shield of the coax, if your dish got...

[Ineedanewusersname]

Here in the US, a grounding block should be used before entering the home and this "should be", if possible, on the same ground as the dish. If the switch is mounted inside then no grounding wire is needed unless you can ground switch to same ground as dish/mounting blocks.

Since this is low volt any difference in the grounding could cause a grounding loop if there are any voltage leaks. Just make sure all coax connections are good as they will all be grounded outside at the grounding blocks and then ultimately to a ground rod.