Safety Precautions To Take When Installing Your Outdoor Antenna

Mounting an antenna outdoors can be a fairly easy job, but being negligent and careless during installation can lead to some serious injuries and even death. When it comes to handling antennas, one always risks the chance of getting electrocuted or sustaining some other type of bodily injury. Here are some tips to keep in mind when mounting your outdoor antenna.

Wherever you choose to install your equipment, make sure that no part of it, be it the antenna itself, the mast, towers, or wires, are anywhere near power lines. Sometimes, the roof of your home might be located very close to power lines, and all it would take is a bout of strong gusty winds to knock it down. When handled, the antenna can cause electrocution or death by electrocution. Assuming that the antenna is placed atop a mast and the total combined length is 30 feet, make sure that the distance between the antenna to the power lines is twice that length in the event that it should get knocked over.

Make sure you follow the instructions to the tee. Skipping around or neglecting to follow one of the steps can lead to an accident later. All masts should be grounded securely and made to withstand the forces of nature. All cables running to and from the antenna should have lightning arrestors so that it will not cause a fire or some other accident in case of lightning, a short circuit, or static build-up.

While mounting an antenna can be done with one person, it is highly recommended that the job be performed with at least two people. Not only will the second person be able to tell you if the channels are coming clearly in the direction the antenna is facing and prevent you from running in and out of the house, but he or she can also save your life if you have a mishap. If someone is electrocuted, do not touch that person. Instead, use a rope or a non-conductive object of some sort to separate that person from the source of electricity. Call the emergency right away so they can check to see if any damage has been inflicted.

Ironically, some accidents happen when not working directly on mounting the antenna. There have been numerous cases of people who have slipped off the ladder or fallen off the roof. Wear heavy-duty boots or shoes with good soles and traction to prevent from slipping off the shingles. Always use a ladder that is sturdy and not defective in any way.

Even if you saw your neighbor mounting the antenna in his pajamas, used a ladder that was missing a rung or two, and finished the project without a single scrape, it is better to be safe than sorry.