Installing a third DVR. Grounding question.

[jessshaun]

I just bought (leased, whatever) an HR-22 and got a zinwell wb68 multiswitch so that I can have 3 DVRs hooked up.

I currently have a slimline 5lnb dish, an HR-21 w/AM21, and an R-15.


After doing some research, I decided I would install my own HR-22.

My question is, we currently have our 2 DVRs hooked up with a gounding block.

It wouldn't look pretty, but can I just leave the ground wire from the dish hooked up to the ground block, and run the RG-6 cables from the dish to the multiswitch?
Or would it be easier to just buy a new ground wire and run it from the dish to where it is currently grounded now?

 

[iwc5893]

If you insert the WB68 in place of the ground block, you can use your current ground wires. The WB68 has a little set screw that can be used for the ground wires.

 

[jessshaun]

Good. Thanks. I just ordered and hadn't seen it yet. I was hoping it did.

Then I'm good to go as soon as everything gets here.

 

[jdspencer]

Wouldn't it be easier to connect the multiswitch inside where the four lines from the ground block come in? Leave it where it is.

Oh, maybe they don't go into the same place.

 

[iwc5893]

Wouldn't it be easier to connect the multiswitch inside where the four lines from the ground block come in? Leave it where it is.

Oh, maybe they don't go into the same place.

Depends upon the layout, but a lot of times all four wires from the dish don't come in via the same hole. Easiest way is to insert the multiswitch in place of the ground block.

 

[jessshaun]

Yea, I'm planning on getting an enclosure for the multiswitch to protect it from the weather, and just leave it outside. It would be a tad easier for me that way.

 

[jdspencer]

This is true, but then you'll have to make more holes for the additional receiver(s).

 

[TVontheBRAIN]

Using the multiswitch as a ground block is a viable option only if the switch is rated to be used as a ground block. Most switches will have the set screws for a ground wire just like splitters and diplexers but they cannot be used as ground blocks. I'm not sure about D* switches but I know there is only one E* switch that can be used as a ground block. I don't know where you would find the information on whether or not it could pass as a ground block.

 

[harshness]

The NEC demands that each and every device that must be grounded be connected directly to a bonding point. Daisy chaining is not code.

Once the cabling passes through a properly installed grounding block, you don't need to ground it again.

 

[iwc5893]

Using the multiswitch as a ground block is a viable option only if the switch is rated to be used as a ground block. Most switches will have the set screws for a ground wire just like splitters and diplexers but they cannot be used as ground blocks. I'm not sure about D* switches but I know there is only one E* switch that can be used as a ground block. I don't know where you would find the information on whether or not it could pass as a ground block.

The Zinwell WB68 is approved to be used as a grounding device, at least according to DirecTV.

 

[Joe Diamond]

The Zinwell WB68 is approved to be used as a grounding device, at least according to DirecTV.

I am sure it will be fine as a ground connection.

I always wonder about the difference between an official electric code change and an engineering conclusion. Does DTV approval mean they will stand behind an installation that is grounded through the switch frame?

Just because you eliminate the ground block and eight fittings is reason enough to ground through the switch.

Joe