What is the smallest grounding conductor size allowed for a CATV system?

For a CATV (Community Antenna Television) system, the grounding conductor size is critical to ensure safety and effective operation. The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides specifications that dictate the minimum size of grounding conductors for various applications, including CATV systems.

The correct choice, 14 AWG (American Wire Gauge), is the smallest size that meets the requirements for grounding in a CATV installation. This size is sufficient to provide adequate grounding, allowing for the safe diversion of electrical surges and minimizing the risk of shock or fire that could occur in fault conditions.

In practical terms, a 14 AWG conductor strikes a balance between being adequately conductive to handle any fault currents while still being manageable and flexible for installation purposes. Larger gauges, while also acceptable, may be more cumbersome in certain installations, and smaller gauges would not provide the necessary performance and safety features, potentially leading to hazardous conditions.