Code Quiz of Day

Minimum Conductor Size for Antennas

May 22, 2015

Antenna systems are the focus of Part II of NEC Article 810.

An outdoor wire-strung antenna conductor of a receiving station with a 75 ft span using a hard-drawn copper conductor shall not be less than _____ AWG.

a) 17
b) 14
c) 12
d) 10

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: b) 14

Article 810 focuses on radio and television equipment. Antenna systems are the focus of Part II of this Code Article. As per Sec. 810.16(A), "Outdoor antenna conductors for receiving stations shall be of a size not less than given in Table 810.16(A)." A quick look at this table reveals a minimum copper conductor size of 14 AWG for span lengths greater than 45 ft.

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.