Gnd rod in handhole

Status
Not open for further replies.
mdshunk said:
Bob's "structure" analysis is certainly technically correct, but I privately wonder how often this is recognized in the case of hand hole boxes?

I bet almost never....and I doubt any harm has come from this possible oversight.

Now if we change to utility distribution systems I think the electrodes might be helpful.
 
How many of you carry testers for this? I've gotten into the habit of driving the additional rod. How much are these testers?
 
chris kennedy said:
How many of you carry testers for this? I've gotten into the habit of driving the additional rod. How much are these testers?

We own an old JG Biddle which is now AEMC, They can be pretty pricey although I believe there are some in the $300.00 range

Roger
 
I call these time and material ground rods as they serve no usefull purpose.
Ask the engineer what they are for, I would be really curious as to the justification.
 
chris kennedy said:
How many of you carry testers for this? I've gotten into the habit of driving the additional rod. How much are these testers?
I drive two rods, and I own the tester. I only own the Megger DET3 point tester for my own personal amusement and entertainment. Plus, I have some sort of fundamental malfunction that causes me to want to own such gadgets. :wink:
 
Maybe the ground rods are there as sacrificial anodes :) :) :)

Of course, whatever they are protecting would have to be less electronegative than the ground rod, so unless you are applying an external potential or protecting silver pipes, this wouldn't even work as a joke.

-Jon
 
malfunction

malfunction

mdshunk said:
....... I only own the Megger DET3 point tester for my own personal amusement and entertainment. Plus, I have some sort of fundamental malfunction that causes me to want to own such gadgets. :wink:

Entertainment ????

Here! Hold these leads and let me check your _________________
(Fill in the blank... weight? cholestrol? resistance?)

:)
 
dbuckley said:
Surely the ground electrodes are there to keep the local soil potential the same as the EGC, ie equipotential?

It may be why they where specified but the rods can not accomplish it.
 
See the picture attached to post #2 of this thread.

A ground rod will bond the soil around the rod to the potential of the EGC. This will limit the voltage difference between the EGC and the _nearby_ soil.

The problem with thinking that this is at all useful is what is meant by 'nearby'.

If you were a mouse, then the local 'equipotential' region might make a difference :)

Say you have a ground rod that is at 120V relative to 'distant earth'. The soil right next to that ground rod will also be at 120V, so there wouldn't be a shock risk between the two. But (according to the picture) at a distance of only 3 feet from the ground rod, the soil will only be at 30V relative to 'distant earth'. This means a 90V shock potential between the ground rod and the soil.

-Jon
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top