Home Video Asylum

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Theory is correct but reality is very dangerous

Hi Wayne,

While it makes sense that the system is grounded through the IC's to the CATV ground;
As for CATV ground, only as of 1999 the NEC required the CATV be grounded to the Utility ground and the ground rod closest to the Service Entrance. Before that a piece of copper tubing could have been used.
First each branch is rated for a specific current. The conductors are rated for the same current. This includes the GROUND CONDUCTOR. The purpose is to be able to carry that same rated current back to the Panel in case of a short, or excessive heat as well as to carry stray voltage back to the ground.
Second, and I know this issue has been beaten to death, but lifting a ground is dangerous for the above reason.
Try shorting even a 5 amp load (line to an IC return), say the IC is using very fine wire copper or silver, By,By to all the equipment as the breaker will NEVER trip - the wire will fry. Perhaps arc and start a fire. We don't have ARC FAULT's installed yet which MIGHT trip in this case.
THird , a power surge which will hit all devices plugged in the house, again the thin wire can't handle the voltage, current, or the heat.
Fourth, depending how each duplex rec. is wired in the branch in question, anything on that circuit can fault, sending the current from another room into the equipment as well (unless it's a dedicated branch)
So when the fire dept. comes and looks at all the grounds lifted, not only will this void all warranties and insurance policies, one could be possibly be prosecuted, depending on the amount of damage to property or person!
We all ultimately do as we think is best!
Mitch


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