How to install an earth rod

The earthing system is an essential part of any electrical installation or appliance. The correctly designed and installed earthing system i.e. earthing rods or grounding rods will protect both live currents and equipment.

It's worth noting that a good earth connection should have: 

• A  low electrical resistance itself
• Protection against corrosion
• A  life span of about 30 years
• The ability to repeatedly carry high currents

Read this guide to understand the steps involved in installing an earth rod as part of the earthing system.

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

• Copper wire
• Power hammer
• Rag
• Anti-corrosion gel

The steps to follow

Note:
The most versatile type of earth electrode is the driven rod. Made of copper clad steel, it is 1-2.5m in length and 16mm in diameter. The rods are joined by an external sleeve or stud.

Copper rods are great for earth electrodes but need to be driven into the ground using a power hammer.

1. Position the earth rod near the area where you want to build the grounding system.

Note:
Copper wires are great as earth electrodes.

2. Use a power hammer to drive the ground rod into the earth. Try to drive as much of the earth rod into the ground as possible. For a proper ground, the earth rod usually should be buried 1-2.5 m (3-8 ft) into the ground.
3. Expose about 12cm (5in) of the earth rod above the ground.
4. Clean the exposed portion of the earth rod with a piece of cloth and apply a layer of anti-corrosion gel to the earth rod.
5. Attach the earth rod to the ground rod by twisting and connecting the wires.
6. Wire the ground rod to the connector and run the wire indoors to the system or appliance you want to ground.

Related articles

• How to install a shaver socket
• How to fit a power socket

Don't want to DIY? Get recommended electricians for your home improvement jobs.