B
BOOTY MONSTER
Guest
interesting article on installing a ground rod . i 'll highly suggest reading the member comments too because there are some some tips/suggestions in them also that seem very promising .
how did you install your ground rod ?
got any tips you'd like to share ?
http://www.eham.net/articles/23198
"Hydro-Ground rod installation:
Driving ground rods can be a pain. This method is easy, although if you have never tried it or seen it done, it is OK to be doubtful. It does work though, we have used it with good results.
If your soil is not too rocky, no hammer needed.
Dig a small pit, about the size of a soda can in the location where the ground rod is to be planted. Fill this hole with water. Insert the ground rod into the center of the hole. Work the ground rod up and down, easy with no force. After a few strokes there will be a noticeable hole into which the rod will go down. It is important to pull the ground rod out of the hole completely each time, letting the hole fill up again with water. It is the water making the hole, not so much the ground rod.
After a few more strokes, more water will need to be added to the hole. Pretty soon the ground rod will go way into the earth. Small pebbles are no problem. he very last stroke should drive the ground rod below the level of the earth, which is where it needs to be, completely underground (by code).
When the hole is dry again, clamp the ground wire or strap to the top of the rod, cover the connection with grease, cover that with an aluminum can for protection and bury it. A bit of salt in the water will improve the ground's usefulness, also ground up charcoal is good for that.
Usually 8 foot rods go in without a hammer.
I was introduced to this method by my friend Al, W0DYI (SK) a long time ago. He was an electrician and told me they often used this method.
I added one more step, since ground rods are expensive but copper water pipe is cheap, a ground rod will just fit inside the waterpipe, let the water pipe go along for the ride, remove the rod, leave the water pipe in the ground. No hammer damage to the pipe this way.
I know, you think it is a joke. It is not a joke, it works!
Geo, K0FF"
how did you install your ground rod ?
got any tips you'd like to share ?
http://www.eham.net/articles/23198
"Hydro-Ground rod installation:
Driving ground rods can be a pain. This method is easy, although if you have never tried it or seen it done, it is OK to be doubtful. It does work though, we have used it with good results.
If your soil is not too rocky, no hammer needed.
Dig a small pit, about the size of a soda can in the location where the ground rod is to be planted. Fill this hole with water. Insert the ground rod into the center of the hole. Work the ground rod up and down, easy with no force. After a few strokes there will be a noticeable hole into which the rod will go down. It is important to pull the ground rod out of the hole completely each time, letting the hole fill up again with water. It is the water making the hole, not so much the ground rod.
After a few more strokes, more water will need to be added to the hole. Pretty soon the ground rod will go way into the earth. Small pebbles are no problem. he very last stroke should drive the ground rod below the level of the earth, which is where it needs to be, completely underground (by code).
When the hole is dry again, clamp the ground wire or strap to the top of the rod, cover the connection with grease, cover that with an aluminum can for protection and bury it. A bit of salt in the water will improve the ground's usefulness, also ground up charcoal is good for that.
Usually 8 foot rods go in without a hammer.
I was introduced to this method by my friend Al, W0DYI (SK) a long time ago. He was an electrician and told me they often used this method.
I added one more step, since ground rods are expensive but copper water pipe is cheap, a ground rod will just fit inside the waterpipe, let the water pipe go along for the ride, remove the rod, leave the water pipe in the ground. No hammer damage to the pipe this way.
I know, you think it is a joke. It is not a joke, it works!
Geo, K0FF"
