UK How close to a lake can i install an Earth Electrode?

[John-]

Hi

Arrived at a portable, metal home. I say that. Its been made out of a shipping container to get around local planning on someones property. It had been signed off by a sparks, so i am told. The earth rod has been Installed in the lake with the top a few feet out of the water near a jetty. No lug, and a very rusty bolt holding it together. Not Conducted an EFLI test yet and i will be installing a new rod out of the lake and installing a proper inspection box. But... they swim in this lake in the summer. So what would be a safe Distance away from the lake for me to install please?

Thanks

 

[pc1966]

Regulation 542.2.7 prohibits an object in water being used as an earth electrode.

However, I don't see off-hand what would be a safe distance. Treating the lake as a swimming pool would suggest 3.5m from the high water point as being outside of zone 2 (e.g. Figure 702.2 in the 18th edition page 251) so without any better guidance that would be my best guess.

 

[Strima]

Got any pictures? Did the lady of the lake put it there?

 

[ipf]

Just as close as possible to the 'building' supply, at the side of the container. If need be, a deep drill down for a decent Ra.
Just because someone swims in it, I can't see how you can contemplate comparing a natural lake with a swimming pool.

 

[ipf]

Got any pictures? Did the lady of the lake put it there?

Driving a container delivery truck...?... with a smile, if I could find one!

 

[John-]

Got any pictures? Did the lady of the lake put it there?

Regulation 542.2.7 prohibits an object in water being used as an earth electrode.

However, I don't see off-hand what would be a safe distance. Treating the lake as a swimming pool would suggest 3.5m from the high water point as being outside of zone 2 (e.g. Figure 702.2 in the 18th edition page 251) so without any better guidance that would be my best guess.

Got any pictures? Did the lady of the lake put it there?

Haha, no. Funny white rabbit keeps following me round though!

I can’t provide pics sorry, the guy is very Private. Suffice to say its clad in cedar, has hot n cold running water and toilet etc. I am getting 6 ohm on the earth stake and 1ohm on the armoured. Armouring is isolated. It is Also 3 phase.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Regulation 542.2.7 prohibits an object in water being used as an earth electrode.

Depends how you read it. I think it is supposed to prohibit relying on the immersion in a body of water to complete the circuit, e.g. a submersible pump casing that is not embedded in the ground cannot be expected to 'earth itself.' A rod passing through water on its way to being suitably embedded might be compliant, perhaps without the swimming factor in this case.