using earth wire as a conductor

[tareq]

I got an application where I am using a gound wire as a reference point for our electronics which is connected at one end to ground through grounding rod.
Could I use this ground wire as a conductor?
regards
tareq

 

[charlie b]

I'm not sure I understand. What is the intended current flow path? In other words, what current do you plan to push through this conductor, where will it originate, and where will it end up? If you are thinking that once current makes its way into planet Earth it has completed its path, you need to rethink the process. Current has no intention or desire to travel into dirt.

 

[K8MHZ]

It's my understanding that the grounding conductor is only supposed to be used to carry a fault current.

 

[charlie b]

It's my understanding that the grounding conductor is only supposed to be used to carry a fault current.

Let's be careful with our use of terms. The two-word phrase "grounding conductor" is not a real official term, and there are two real official terms that look like it.

First, there is the "Grounding Electrode Conductor." It attaches to the ground rod (or other electrodes), and it does not carry fault current. Secondly, there is the "Equipment Grounding Conductor." It does carry fault current, but it does not attach to any ground rods.

I am still confused over the intent of the original question.

 

[K8MHZ]

Let's be careful with our use of terms. The two-word phrase "grounding conductor" is not a real official term, and there are two real official terms that look like it.

First, there is the "Grounding Electrode Conductor." It attaches to the ground rod (or other electrodes), and it does not carry fault current. Secondly, there is the "Equipment Grounding Conductor." It does carry fault current, but it does not attach to any ground rods.

I am still confused over the intent of the original question.

Understood, but neither are intended to carry any current outside of a fault, that was the point I was trying to make. In other words a one word answer to the OP's question would be 'NO'.