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hdtvmagazine_tips Digest #1347

Started by AtomShop • Mar 17, 2006 • 3 posts
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#1
----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----

Jeff, electrical matters such as this MUST adhere to the National Electrical
Code which is pretty standard for state to state, with minor variations
among them. I'd strongly suggest that you consult an electrician for proper
installation.

In general, however, the microwave does require its own circuit breaker at
the service panel. Either one of your video outlet proposals will work; you
only need one line to feed the receptacles. But as to which one is
code-approved for your residence in your area, talk to an electrician.

Proper electrical grounding is a BIG deal. Your service panel should already
be grounded by way of an 8', earth-set copper rod bonded nearby the service
panel. Multiple grounds can be used, BUT, once again, follow the code.

The satellite system ground should be bonded to the antenna mast and then
got straight to earth from that location. Your local electrical code may
have some specific requirements (wire size, ground rod, etc) as to how to do
this if the mast is attached to your house.

The bottom line is NOT to take anything for granted when it comes to
puttering around the house with electrical matters. The NEC exists for a
reason. An electrical-contractor approved installation is cheap insurance
down the road for both the house and its contents.

Atom


----- Original Message -----
From: "HDTV Magazine" <[email protected]>
To: "HDTV Magazine" <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 17, 2006 2:00 AM
Subject: hdtvmagazine_tips Digest #1347


> HDTV Magazine Digest #1347
>
> 1) A Power / Ground Question
> by Jeff Bradley <[email protected]>
>
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> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message-ID: <[email protected]>
> Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 21:07:38 -0500
> From: Jeff Bradley <[email protected]>
> Subject: A Power / Ground Question
>
> I'm going to be pulling a new 20amp 12 gauge line through the
> house/attic to the panel this weekend for a microwave oven this weekend.
>
> This relates to HDTV because I'd like to use the opportunity to run a
> new separate line to the wall behind the HDTV & accessories. I've been
> following along for a few years and have a appreciation for the effect
> the power source can have on video equipment. I have two topics I hope
> you can help with.
>
> Should I run a 20amp 12 gauge line for the video outlet or is a 15 amp
> 14 gauge line sufficient? There's a 42 inch RP, satellite HD receiver,
> HD DVR cable box, DVD/HD receiver, S-VHS recorder, antenna rotator and a
> wireless media player (displays pics from pc to HDTV) all plugged in now.
>
> Should I run two separate lines (of which gauge) or would it be
> sufficient to just put four outlets at the end of a single line?
>
> On the subject of 'ground'... I'd like to install a separate ground rod
> for the new line. I've been told that two four foot rods are as good as
> a single eight foot rod when the earth isn't accommodating. Is that
> reasonable? Can the new ground serve the entire panel or should it be
> attached just at the new breaker?
>
> I've followed along enough to know that I should also provide a good
> ground for the satellite dish & antenna & amp. That ground would just
> have to connect to each of those devices in the attic, correct? All
> those things are on the opposite end of the house from the panel for the
> new power line.
>
> Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of HDTV Magazine Digest #1347
> *********************************
>
>


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#2
Atom, thanks very much for the reply. I've decided to run the 12 guage line for the microwave and one for the tv equipment.

I've decided to re-think connecting either line to the panel. I will probably leave that to an electrician. It looks easy enough but your reminder about codes left me uneasy.

I did go looking for the current (no pun intended) ground. There's braided copper wire (about a half inch diameter) going from the panel about 10 feet and clamped to the copper water line for the house. The place was built in the 70's. Do you have an opinion as to whether or not that is a sufficient ground for all the video hardware? Should I have the electrician add a ground for the panel when I have him connect the new lines and ground the antenna & dish?
#3
Jeff, your best bet is to hire an electrician to make sure everything meets code. The existing cold water pipe ground should be adequate but you have to wonder if new electical work might require an automatic upgrade for the panel ground. Only a licensed electrician can answer that. He'd also be able to tell you what needs to be done to properly ground your antenna system. There's a lot of good ol' common sense ingenuity that could be put to work by the home handyman (lots of how-to books out there) but the bottom line always comes down to one thing: does it meet the local electrical code? Heaven forbid that a person should get an insurance rejection when the weekend electrical project turns out to be the possible future cause of property damage or loss.

Here's something to be aware of. If you have any existing video/audio equipment already in use that will remain on those recptacles make sure that the new receptacle group is on that same phase in the electrical panel. It'll keep intra-equipmnet ground loop issues at a minimum. Sometimes an electrician might scoff at the suggestion but stand your ground (ouch!), as it were. Your system will thank you for it.

Atom