This article was posted 06/21/2006 and is most likely outdated.

State Warns Of Faulty Satellite TV Installations
 

 
Topic - Grounding and Bonding
Subject - State Warns Of Faulty Satellite TV Installations

June 21, 2006  

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State Warns Of Faulty Satellite TV Installations

 

The largest Dish Network affiliate in the Midwest has agreed to inspect 6,700 systems installed between Rochester and St. Cloud -- including the Twin Cities -- for improper installation that may be a safety risk.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry said Tuesday that Dish Network and Galaxy 1 Marketing of Bettendorf, Iowa, were cooperating after a random sampling of 100 installations showed 80 didn't meet the state's electrical code. The department said the improper installations increase the risk of lightning blowing out electronic gear, starting a fire or injuring people.

Officials said the systems were installed for Dish Network in 2004 and 2005. Labor and Industry spokesman James Honerman said no injuries or fires have been tied to the improperly installed systems. Faulty grounding was the most common problem, he said.

The inspections and necessary corrections will be done without cost to consumers. Honerman said the risk exists even if the satellite TV systems aren't being used.

 

Article from the Associated Press of St. Paul.

Mike Holt’s Comment: I am actually surprised that 20% of the installations were NEC compliant and I applaud the State of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for their efforts. We can expect about the same NEC compliance (less than 20%) nationwide, and we can expect that same rate of compliance (less than 20%) for cable television (CATV) industry. To the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, please do a sample on the grounding practices of CATV industry, this might open your eyes even further. I hope that other states would consider this issue as well.
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Comments

  • The original article has a little bit different wording that shows how the state was using scare tactics to make consummers think their houses were at risk.

    "Dish Network customers at risk for electrical fires"

    "The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is notifying 6,800 Dish Network customers from Rochester to the Twin Cities to St. Cloud that they could be at risk of an electrical fire during thunderstorms because of an improperly installed satellite TV dish. "

    "No fires or injuries have been reported. However, the department randomly audited 100 Dish Network dishes installed in 2004 and 2005 by Galaxy 1 Marketing of Bettendorf, Iowa, and found 80 that failed to meet state electrical code requirements. Most failures involved improper grounding. "

    "Dish Network's parent company, EchoStar Communications Corp. of Englewood, Colo., and Galaxy 1 Marketing did not return requests for comment Tuesday. "

    "The risk of fire exists regardless of whether the antenna system is used, so turning off the system or having a dish that was never activated doesn't protect the homeowner, the department warned. "

    http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_km4466/is_200605/ai_n16394019

    Joel
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