RCA DRD102RW Installation Manual page 82

Installation / Dish Assembly 83
DRIP
LOOP
COAX
CABLE
GROUND
BLOCK
GROUND
CONDUCTOR
GROUND WIRE
CONNECTION
Figure 68, Coax Cable Ground Block and Drip Loops
The LNB cable supplies the signal from the LNB to the receiver. This cable also
carries the DC power to the LNB from the receiver. For the LNB to receive power and
operate, it is important that any splitters or amplifiers inserted in the LNB cable must
pass DC.
Another important aspect of the LNB cable installation is grounding. The National
Electrical Codes (Article 820-33) requires that any coax cable exposed to possible
contact with lightning or power conductors must have the outer shield grounded.
There also may be other rules regarding grounding in your area. It is important to
consult and follow all codes and regulations in your area during the installation.
The best method of grounding the outer shield of a coax cable is with a ground block.
This block is a barrel connector with a means to connect a ground conductor (like a
terminal or a drilled hole and set screw). The terminal is where the outer conductor
of the coax cable is connected to the grounding electrode. When installed, the ground
block passes the LNB signal and DC voltages straight through it while grounding the
outer conductor of the coax.
Where should the ground block be placed in the LNB cable? One factor determining
the ground block location is the location of an acceptable ground electrode. The
National Electrical Code specifies that the grounding conductor (the wire that runs