When operating indoor antennas, what is a key precaution?

When operating indoor antennas, a key precaution is to locate antennas as far from living spaces as possible. This is important primarily for safety and to minimize exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Indoor antennas can generate radio frequency (RF) energy, which, when situated close to living areas, may lead to increased exposure levels to individuals in those spaces, potentially impacting health.

Positioning antennas away from living spaces helps to mitigate the chances of interference with household electronics and reduces the likelihood of signal degradation caused by physical obstructions. Additionally, it allows for better performance of the antenna itself, as many antennas are designed to radiate energy more efficiently when placed in more open spaces.

While keeping antennas close to living spaces might seem convenient, it could pose health risks due to prolonged exposure to RF fields, and using only horizontal antennas or ensuring that antennas remain outside might not address these concerns effectively. Therefore, the best practice is to place them further from areas where people reside or spend considerable time.