Before You Begin
Important Safety Precautions
Many do-it-yourself and professional antenna installers are injured or killed each year by
electric shock. While anyone can see the obvious danger of falling from a ladder, the most
resourceful people sometimes fail to recognize overhead wires as being potentially lethal.
Touching any part of the antenna mast or guy wire to these overhead wires results in the same
shock you would receive if you touched these wires directly with your bare hands. A very
serious shock is almost sure to result when contacting an electrical wire and, in the case of
primary wires on the top of poles, the shock is similar to being struck by a bolt of lightning.
Many power wires are within 20 to 25 feet of the ground and could easily be touched by an
assembled antenna and mast.
Please read and follow these important safety precautions:
• Be sure to select an antenna site well away from all overhead wires.
• Do not try to determine which overhead wires carry high voltage. Check with the power
company.
• If you notice anything making contact with the overhead wires, call the power company to
have it removed safely.
• Do not run the downlead cable over power wires.
• Obtain help from a qualified professional when removing the old antenna if there is any
doubt clearing overhead wires.
• Never install an antenna by yourself. Be sure to have at least two people available for help.
• Never install the antenna when it is windy.
• Be sure to do all assembly work on the ground; then raise the antenna.
• Make sure the antenna mast downlead cable is connected to a suitable lightning arrester.
• Use 8 (or larger) AWG ground wire between the mast and the ground.
• Make sure the installation is secure with the use of guy wires or other mounting hardware.
• If you lose your grip on the antenna, let it fall to the ground. Do not attempt to catch it as it
may touch power lines as it falls.
• CALL THE POWER COMPANY TO REMOVE THE ANTENNA IF IT FALLS AND
TOUCHES POWER LINES. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE IT YOURSELF.
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