Earth rod installation advice...

[sythai]

Afternoon Chaps,

Got to TT a place this week as no reliable earth and if PME is available DNO cant do anything for 6-8 weeks !

Have seen a post on this ages ago, but cant seem to find it ? (Did think I originally posted it?)

Just after any tips / advice on where / how best to place the rod.

This place isn't in the sticks so obviously concerned about hitting something, did think about getting a CAT but that only picks up electric cables.

Is it best if I can get it under the house itself, thinking there shouldn't be any drainage under there?

Got a 4 foot rod, does this have to go all the way in... do I need all of it ?

Sorry so many questions as you can probably tell haven't done many of these before.

Thanks,

Sy

 

[Big n Daft]

Are you an electrician??

 

[malcolmsanford]

View attachment 2006_21_winter_wiring_matters_multiple_earth_electrodes_in_tt_dwelling[1].pdf

Hi Si this maybe of use to you mate.

 

[alarm man]

i replaced a rod a while back,8ft of the beast,the first rod i put in i could pull out by hand,depends on the soil type,had to search a round a bit to get a solid fit and a good reading

 

[Engineer54]

Of course you need ALL of it!! You will also need another one to extend it too, as the first metre will be rendered useless in adverse weather conditions, ie, freezing ground /dried out ground...

Never install any rod system next to the buildings walls, it'll be full of building rubble, go out around a metre or two from the building. You will also need a ground rod pit over the top of the rod to protect the connection, and identify the rod location

If you go through the floor inside the house or building you will penetrate any membrane that may be in place, a bad idea all round!!

Start the process of acquiring a PME connection for your customer, as it will be a far superior earth, and you can leave your earth rod connected to the MET after the DNO's PME conversion.

 

[sythai]

Few mixed replies there...... cheers anyway and have a good day :sailor:

 

[sythai]

Are you an electrician??

Nice...:bucktooth:

 

[sjm]

The last reply I had from Western Power said that they were no longer allowing PME connections as they couldn't guarantee keeping below 0.35 ohms.

 

[Engineer54]

The last reply I had from Western Power said that they were no longer allowing PME connections as they couldn't guarantee keeping below 0.35 ohms.

That's Bulls**t they have a statutory obligation to maintain a supplied earthing system or point. Even if it was the case, it would only apply to an individual cable string from the transformer anyway.

 

[ezzzekiel]

As said about a meter from property watch for drain covers or gas electric entry points place cable nut on before you bang it end as rod end will below out simple as that really

 

[sjm]

Engineer 54 I agree, but if you would like me to photograph the Western Power HEADED and official letter I received as proof I'll have a go.
I'm really not sure about the statutory requirement for them to provide an earth though.

 

[Big n Daft]

Another huge company trying to pull a fast one me thinks

 

[Guest123]

I'm really not sure about the statutory requirement for them to provide an earth though.

The requirement is not for them to provide a connection to an earthing system, as they don't have to. The requirement is for them to maintain an existing connection under the ESQCR.

 

[Deleted member 19807]

Make sure you use the rods with the thread on the end, i think they are 5/8" dia get a couple of jointers, a driving bolt and a spare rod or 2, if you have any sandy soils in your area you may need to put in 3 rods to get a good reading.

 

[Engineer54]

Engineer 54 I agree, but if you would like me to photograph the Western Power HEADED and official letter I received as proof I'll have a go.
I'm really not sure about the statutory requirement for them to provide an earth though.

I was referring to the excuse they have given you. If they have supplied PME to households etc, then they must maintain that PME connection. So if they are having trouble with maintaining the max 0.35 Ze then they should be roding more points on that particular cable string....

Perhaps worth sending that official headed letter, to the ombudsman with a covering letter relating to the DNO's statutory obligations in maintaining the integrity of the safety earthing system that they supply to their customers...

 

[Deleted member 19807]

Afternoon Chaps,

Got to TT a place this week as no reliable earth and if PME is available DNO cant do anything for 6-8 weeks !

is it a new build or an existing installation?

if existing what was the earthing arrangement?

 

[sythai]

is it a new build or an existing installation?

if existing what was the earthing arrangement?

It's a 50's property.... not sure really no sign of a clamp or stake.

Only earthing at CU is water / gas bonds and CPCs... cant find anything going out to a stake.

 

[trev]

Try a Ze to see if there is an earth hidden under the floorboards for example

 

[sythai]

Try a Ze to see if there is an earth hidden under the floorboards for example

Did try that first thanks anyway. Got a reading of around 30 ohms and then went sky high when disconnected gas + water bonds ! There isnt enough earths at the CU for one to be going to stake I've accounted for all of them. Gas + water bonds and all the CPCs that's it

 

[nickblake]

you could always use an earth tape or earth plates