Grounding Cable Splitter

ComputerWizKid

Golden Member
Apr 28, 2004
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I just bought a 6 way coax splitter because the cable CO. said it is better than multiple smaller ones through out the house and will result in stronger signal (If this is true I don't know?) I have connected two cable modems (One for voice, one for data) A computer which requires two coax inputs + a DVR Set top box and anther television in another room for six total devices connected.
Setup One 4 Way + another 4 way (All I had at the time) with two unused ports not capped.

OK my question is should I ground the new six way splitter?
It has a grounding screw whereas the other ones did not just mounting screws. I was thinking of just making a pigtail and grounding to the cover plate screw of the nearest outlet but I don't know if that is the right or wrong way to do it. I also thought I should ground it to the computer case (Since it is already grounded and has two coax cables going to in)

Oh I should mention I live in an apartment and I can't muck around in the main panel or anything that serves this Apartments electrical as there are four different apartments on one meter box. I however changed two light fixtures and a couple of the outlets/switches (So I know what I am doing with electricity and yes I got permission from the management)

Thanks and sorry for the super long post just trying to get all of the facts there
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Modelworks

Lifer
Feb 22, 2007
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Originally posted by: ComputerWizKid
I just bought a 6 way coax splitter because the cable CO. said it is better than multiple smaller ones through out the house and will result in stronger signal (If this is true I don't know?)

True. Every time you add a splitter to the line you lose signal.

OK my question is should I ground the new six way splitter?

No. There should already be a ground block on the cable line outside the apartment that connects with a ground wire back to the meter. Installing multiple ground points might actually cause a ground loop adding noise to the connection and possible creating a hazard.

If you walk outside and look where the meter is located there should be a ground wire coming from it going to where the cable enters the apartments. If there isn't call the cable company and complain, it is against code to install cable without one.

pic of ground block with drip loop.
http://www.dbsinstall.com/N-im.../Whatis/Driploop-1.jpg

Some installers are lazy and will install the ground block but never run a ground wire back to the meter, again, that is against code and they should be made to fix it.
 

ComputerWizKid

Golden Member
Apr 28, 2004
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Ok thanks I do have a ground block on the meter (I think) there is a bank of four meters and then a big box that says CATV and a fat wire is connected to the meter bank