Communal Satellite Dishes & Aerials

Randyleprechaun

Hi all,

Firstly, I wasn't sure whether to post this here, in the terrestrial or even the electrical forum.

Anyway, if any mod thinks it'd be better at home some where else....feel free.

I'm just wondering are there any specific rules regarding the use of communal TV distribution systems in blocks of houses/apartments.

I've priced a job and now the client is hoping they can save money by using a few communal systems instead of seperate systems in each dwelling. There are a number of blocks with 5/6 or 7 units in each. All single storey dwellings.

I haven't actually seen them in the flesh yet but was given a good idea of layouts etc.

My concerns are where units are fed using different meters/ESB phases etc. Will communal systems introduce the chance of something going wrong or being unsafe electrically ....even if the chance is very remote. As stated, i haven't seen the units yet but I'm assuming each will have it's own ESB meter.

I will be seeing the units next week, but I'd like to have the low down before then.

I'm an electrical contractor and I just seem to remember something about instances where communal systems shouldn't be used.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

hju6

Randyleprechaun wrote: »

Hi all,


I'm an electrical contractor and I just seem to remember something about instances where communal systems shouldn't be used.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Earth bonding is what you should be remembering,:)

Randyleprechaun

hju6 wrote: »

Earth bonding is what you should be remembering,:)

So as long as I bond the aerials and dishes and any other ancillary equipment ......there's no issue??????

kbell

Another thing to note, that I've come across in several multi dwellings.
Is there a separate communal area/supply for the multi switches, amps etc..?
I've seen instances where the communal system has been powered by one of the dwellings, unknown to the resident, and in some cases where the resident moved out or discovered what was happening and cut off the power, taking out the whole system.

winston_1

kbell wrote: »

Another thing to note, that I've come across in several multi dwellings.
Is there a separate communal area/supply for the multi switches, amps etc..?

Should be. The same one that supplies communal lights on staircases etc.

fat-tony

is anyone concerned about a "professional" installer coming to a boards forum for help in an install where there are potential electrical safety issues. Wouldn't inspire a huge amount of confidence.

Lindenblad

fat-tony wrote: »

is anyone concerned about a "professional" installer coming to a boards forum for help in an install where there are potential electrical safety issues.

OP's given profession is 'electrical contractor', so one would like to think they would be aware of this aspect above all else.

So yes, probably strange that his queries seem to lie there, rather than the TV signal distribution end of things.

St Senan

There are companies and installers who specialize in headend and communial TV systems. If a guy is unsure of the way the system is installed then would it not be best to pass on the job to someone who does this day to day for a living.