Another must for your station is a good ground connection.  A good ground not
only reduces the possibility of electrical shock but also improves the
performance of your station.  By connecting all of your equipment to ground,
you will help to avoid stray RF current in the shack, which can cause
equipment to malfunction.  A good ground can also help reduce the possibility
of television interference, or other types of interference.  The wire 
connecting your station to an earth ground should be as short as possible.
In general, this means that basement and first floor locations make it
easier to provide a good ground connection for your station.  But it does
not rule out the use of a second or third floor room, or having a station if
you live on the top floor of a high rise apartment. +