Question
What is the minimum safe distance from a power line to allow when installing an antenna?
Answer Options
- A) Add the height of the antenna to the height of the power line and multiply by a factor of 1.5
- B) The height of the power line above ground
- C) 1/2 wavelength at the operating frequency
- D) Enough so that if the antenna falls, no part of it can come closer than 10 feet to the power wires
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
When installing an antenna, the absolute minimum safe distance is determined by the length of the antenna system itself and the possibility of it accidentally falling. The FCC’s guideline requires that the antenna must be positioned so that if it or the mast/tower supporting it were to completely fail and fall toward the power line, no part of it can come closer than 10 feet to the power wires.
This ten-foot rule is a minimum safety buffer set by the FCC to prevent accidental contact with energized lines, which could easily be fatal. This is the single most important safety rule in antenna installation and is often reinforced by local electrical codes.
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