If you drive a metal rod can you use it as a reference to measure voltage

[Jako13!]

If I was to drive a metal rod in the ground and measure between live and the rod will I get a reading? ( I’m still studying)

 

[pc1966]

Yes, and it should be practically the same as L-N or L-E since N, E, and true Earth should be within a few volts of each other.

Whether you can do that safely though is another question, would depend on the setup you use to measure and how well you understand it. As always, never make assumptions: always treat every conductor as if it is live and dangerous until proven dead!

 

[marcuswareham]

Provided that the star point of the transformer that the line conductor is coming from is referenced to earth then yes, Which is the case with UK power distribution

So if you were to measure between line conductor of a socket in your house and a rod stuck into some soil, you should see a voltage between to two

Here is a simple drawing to show how the circuit is completed

 

[DefyG]

You will almost certainly get a 'reading' between your incoming E, N and the rod too!

 

[R-fur]

And dont hammer in a rod without thinking about what could be in the ground, water pipe, drain, cable etc

 

[Jako13!]

I know there’s stupid people out there but I’d like to think I’m not one of them ?

 

[DefyG]

I know there’s stupid people out there but I’d like to think I’m not one of them

Lets hope not but WE all make mistakes sometime or other.

 

[static zap]

I’d like to think I’m not one of them

Just remember fate conspires against us .
( Especially the more educated ! )
.... Warning signs == half your garden is concrete/tarmac....

If the results are nowhere near 0V ..listen for the sound of a nearby neighbours water feature ..with no RCDs