Cable Satellite and Starlink Surge Protection

How To Surge Protect Cable, Satellite, and Starlink

Incoming and Outgoing Cable Lines: TPD-CABLE
Surge protects and bonds all coax as it enters or exits the building.

Incoming and Outgoing Satellite Lines: TPD-SAT2
Stops surges and potential differences from satellite dishes and receivers.

Incoming Starlink Lines: TPD-CAT6-POE
Surge protects all Starlink Ethernet feeds. A Starlink to RJ45 adapter may be required..

Applications and Common Problems Solved

Low Voltage Equipment Failures
Cable is by far the most common source of low voltage equipment failures in both residential and commercial properties. Most damage occurs because the incoming coax is not surge protected nor bonded/grounded correctly. Installers rely on whatever looks grounded and many never bond at all, especially when the entry point is inconveniently located. TPD Fixes the problem because exterior bonding only protects the cable shield from shock hazards. It does not stop surges from entering the home or equalize ground potential. Installing the TPD-CABLE inside the home bonds the incoming feed to the electrical system ground so the cable and power rise and fall together. This stops repeated failures on equipment.

Surges from Satellite Lines
Satellite dishes don’t have the long utility-to-house cable run, so surge events tend to come from local lightning rather than the street. NEC code allows DirecTV and DISH to enter the home without grounding as long as the dish is mounted within the halo of the structure. This means installations in apartments, condos, and residential homes often are unbonded. Larger custom homes see failures when TVs or control systems have three different ground paths from power, network, and satellite feeds that are often installed in the field remote from house or on an adjacent building. To hide the satellite dish, wires are run long distances, which causes damaging ground potential. When lightning hits nearby, each system sits at a different ground potential and the TV or satellite receiver becomes the equalizer, destroying inputs, HDMI ports, and control boards. The TPD-SAT2 stops these differences by bonding and protecting the satellite lines at the entry point.

Surges from Starlink Systems Installed High Up
Starlink systems behaves like satellites: no direct tie to street utilities, but installation height creates risk. Homeowners commonly mount Starlink units on poles, roofs, fence posts, in the field, or on tree-mounted extensions to clear tree lines. These elevated mounts make the Starlink a perfect collection point for lightning-induced surges. Just like cable and satellite, Starlink feeds must share the same ground potential as the electrical system. When they don’t, TVs, routers, and network switches inside the home become the equalization path. Using the TPD-CAT6-POE on the incoming Starlink feed (with Starlink-to-RJ45 adapter when required) bonds the system and eliminates the ground-potential difference.

Commercial Buildings & Strip Malls
Commercial properties are often worse than homes. Each tenant has its own utility meter which is its own electrical ground. But cable/data is often shared across ceilings or fed from one side of the building. Surges travel down the shared data trunk and destroy electronics in multiple suites. Doctor’s offices, retail spaces, and multi-tenant offices frequently lose modems, routers, and TV equipment. The TPD-CABLE corrects the bonding and surge-entry problem instantly.

NEC Rules

The National Electric Code (NEC) states, at minimum, cable and data lines must come into a building and be grounded to the main service power panel ground. By doing this you are giving your equipment a single ground reference point for cable, data, and power in the building. The potential for damage increases as these cable and data lines are distributed to multiple buildings.  It is common to find unprotected or incorrectly grounded cable and data wires when multiple electronic devices fail during a lightning strike. All TPD recommendations are backed by the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers for protecting and grounding of sophisticated electronics.

The Importance of Cable, Satellite, and Starlink System Surge Protection

Uninterrupted Signal and Connectivity
Incoming data feeds are the gateway to the digital world, powering daily activities and business operations. TPD surge protection products shield against electrical damage, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Whether it's in your home or a commercial setting, surge protection improves reliability of access to online services.

Protecting Valuable Equipment
Data systems encompass valuable components, including satellite dishes, modems, and data servers. Surge-induced damage can lead to costly repairs or replacements of these components. TPD surge protection reduces the risk of electrical damage and extends the lifespan of your equipment in both residential and commercial applications.

Data Security and Privacy
In both residential and commercial environments, disruptions in connectivity can lead to data loss and compromised security. TPD surge protection ensures data security and safeguards privacy in both contexts.

Cost Savings
Repairing or replacing equipment can be financially burdensome. TPD surge protection helps defend against electrical damage, mitigating the risk of unexpected repair expenses. Whether it's optimizing your home's internet setup or ensuring uninterrupted business operations, surge protection contributes to cost savings.

Operational Continuity
In commercial settings, data systems are integral to various operations, including communication, data management, and e-commerce. Surge-induced failures can disrupt business activities, impacting customer satisfaction and revenue. TPD surge protection plays a pivotal role in maintaining operational continuity, ensuring seamless connectivity for both businesses and clients.

Environmental Resilience
Internet equipment is often exposed to power fluctuations and surges. Surge-induced equipment failures can result in increased electronic waste. TPD surge protection helps maintain the resilience of internet equipment, aligning with sustainability goals and ensuring the reliability of internet systems.