Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

Complete Grounding Rod Installation

Grounding rods are used to conduct electricity away from a structure, such as your house, and to direct it safely into the ground. Metal structures that are high off the ground, such as radio towers, also will make use of grounding rods. These rods typically are made of wound copper wire that is buried in the ground and connected to conductors from a lightning rod or other conduit.

Things You'll Need

Flag
Spray paint
Shovel
Garden hose
Rubber mallet
Grounding rod clamp

Instructions

- 1
  Determine where the grounding rods will be placed in the ground and mark the area with a flag or spray paint.
- 2
  Dig a hole, 6 inches wide by 6 inches deep, in the ground at this location. Fill the hole partially with water, using the garden hose.
- 3
  Place the grounding rod in the center of the hole. Place the block of wood over the top of the grounding rod. Strike the wood with the rubber mallet to drive the rod into the ground several inches. Remove the rod to allow the water to fill the small hole.
- 4
  Insert the rod into the hole and drive it further into the ground. Repeat this step until the grounding rod is at the correct depth.
- 5
  Fill the initial hole with dirt and then tamp it down. Attach a lead for an electrical ground to the rod by using a grounding rod clamp.

Other Hobbies