EARTH ROD or EARTH TAPE

[DaiThomas]

I've just fitted an earth rod and got a pretty dismal test reading.
Has anyone fitted an earth tape or mat?
I've never fitted one before and was looking for a chat about it? I'm guessing it going to make a huge imrovement.

 

[DefyG]

You just may have to go deeper!
Is the ground clear of pipes and cables as far as you know.
What is the ground?
Earth electrodes always a bit hit and miss depending on ground/soil and no guarantees with either electrode.

 

[davesparks]

I've just fitted an earth rod and got a pretty dismal test reading.
Has anyone fitted an earth tape or mat?
I've never fitted one before and was looking for a chat about it? I'm guessing it going to make a huge imrovement.

What size is the earth rod? How deep did you go?
I find that if I you get up to 3 normal rods deep (12 feet approx) and can't get a good reading then going deeper doesn't help much and you need to start looking at other options.

 

[pc1966]

You will find in many cases getting even the 200 ohm for an acceptable TT setup is not easy

As already said, going down to 2m or more is a good start (as you get to soil with a more stable moisture level) but in some areas that is just not practical.

Multiple rods (as deep at practical, after checking for utility cables/pipes first) is one route, as is a tape/mat, or using conductive concrete or bentonite clay (with some added water) so extend the conductive radius of your metal part into the Earth at large.