Verify Cable Service is Grounded Properly

One of the common exposures for electrical surges to enter sensitive equipment is when the cable service ground is not properly installed, leaving all equipment connected to the line subject to damage.  This can occur when the cable ground is connected to a metal pipe/conduit that transitions into a non-conductive materials (such as PVC) or when the pipe/conduit does not have a sufficient amount of contact with the earth to provide a good ground.  Driving a separate ground rod for the cable is also an improper installation that can lead to serious loss.  During our review, it appeared that the cable service ground was not properly installed, so I recommended having the cable company verify this.  A secondary method of protection is to use an electrical SPD with coax capability wherever a coax connection is used.