PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-595

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 595

JUNE 2002
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-595 - Page 21 of 32
Grounding Plates
PS 595
39
JUNE 02
Leave about 3 inches of the
rod section above the rim of
the hole. When adding rod
extensions make sure each
section is tightly connected
to the previous one.
If they’re
not
tight, when you
drive in the rod,
you’ll
damage
the coupling
sleeve threads.
If possible,
use a
driving
hammer
when
installing a
sectioned
ground rod.
Slide hammer,
NSN
it easier to drive
rods, and easier to
get them out, too.
For driving rods into
very hard
desert
ground, use a 12-lb
sledge hammer, NSN
If
three
rods are
used, drive them in a
triangular pattern.
Use a driving bolt on the top
section and make sure it’s tight.
A loose bolt will break off.
Don’t
hit the threaded end of
the rod with the hammer. This
will
damage
the
threads, too.
Drive in the additional
rods two to four rod
lengths apart.
If
more than four
rods are
used, put them in a straight
line or a star pattern, which
works well in the desert.
When using multiple
rods
always
connect all the
rods together,
the final rod being
connected to the
equipment to be
grounded.
Ground rod
assembly, NSN
comes with…
If you can’t drive
a ground rod
more than 4 feet,
dig a hole, add
the salt-water
mixture and then
bury the rod
horizontally
almost 1
1
/
4
feet
deep.
They also give you a
large, metallic area
that is in contact with
the soil. The ground
plates
-use two to
four
-should be spaced
at least 10 feet apart.
Since sand is easy to
move,
grounding
plates
can be a good
idea in the desert.
To make a ground
plate, start with
a clean, copper or
steel plate or
sheet
1
/
4
inch thick.
The plate should have at least
3 square feet of surface contact
with the ground. The larger the
plate, the lower the resistance
and the better the ground.
The plate should have at least
3 square feet of surface contact
with the ground. The larger the
plate, the lower the resistance
and the better the ground.
Along with the
plate you’ll need
a
metal bolt, nut
and
lock washer
to attach the
ground wire.
Drill a hole in the
center of the plate
just large enough for
the bolt. Dig a hole so
that the plate can be
buried vertically, the
top edge about 5 feet
below the surface.
It’s easier to
bury the plate
vertically and
still ensure
good soil
contact on
both sides of
the plate.
Pour your
mixture of water
and salt into the
soil around the
plate to
further increase
conductivity.
don’t
damage the
threads,
man!
Couplings
Clamp
Drive/head stud
Terminal lug
No.6 AWG wire
Rods
If you cannot reach
the water table with a
single ground rod or
one with extensions,
use multiple grounds
and the salt-water
mixture.
595. 36-39 (C)
4/27/02
1:54 PM
Page 3
Back to Top
Back to Top