I have just got a new copper earth rod and clamp to repace one pulled up by my builders. Can I connect up and bang into the earth without turning off the mains? Thank you.
2007-01-18 01:06:06 · 7 answers · asked by Spiny Norman 7 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
What you're describing is a Bond, and is absolutly vital. The guy who said they're obsolete hasn't got a clue...
As an electrician, and general contractor, two concerns surface for me when an untrained person decides to attempt electrical repairs, first in your case, the primary Bond you're working connects to your SES, or main service to your home.
Many times the placement of the bond connection is on the line side of the box, and tripping the mains will NOT shut off the line , or feed, side of the power, only your electric service provider can do that, the cutout for your line into your SES isn't at your house, but at the transformer. All the mains in your box do is shut the power off to your breakers, so the REALLY dangerous power is still there. Your day is going to be unbelieveably unpleasent if you contact the live line side feeds.
Second, code for where you are determines the correct placement of the Bonding rod, the bonding line gauge, and depth.
In the U.S., new universal building code requires (2) 8 foot by 5/8" dia. bonding rods, at least 6 feet apart, embedded to no more than 3" exposed, connected by #8 bare copper solid bond in a single unbroken line . If natural gas or propane is present, those lines must be bonded on the home side of the regulators, and from there to the ses by the same method.
Other countries have similar codes for the placement of bonding.
Without proper bonding, electrocution and fires are a great danger in your home.
If you need to ask a question about power distribution in your home, you're out of your depth, and as a good general rule, an electrician should be consulted. Unlike other systems in your home, electrical malfunctions are a leading cause of fires and deaths worldwide.
P.S. Water main does need to be bonded also, but that is a different connection, and shouldn't have been diturbed by your contractor. He's the one who should be responsible fro arrainging to have your bond replaced.
2007-01-18 03:31:08 · answer #1 · answered by Rides365 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but there may be a voltage between the earth rod and the wire you are going to connect to it. I suggest that you wear gloves to be sure that you don't get a shock. You could also first check with a meter. I don't really expect more than a couple of volts, but this is just a good safety precaution. It should not be necessary to turn off the main power.
Make sure that you bang the rod all the way into the earth. Some people hit a rock, give up, and cut the rod off short. This is not a good idea.
2007-01-18 01:50:19 · answer #2 · answered by Tech Dude 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I believe I would turn off the main before continuing. Also, in my opinion, grounding rods are not obsolete and many a fire has been prevented by channeling overloads safely into the earth below. I'm curious as to why the builders removed the previous rod.
The rod should be easy since the wiring is already in place. Also, double-check to make sure the system is complete by ensuring there's a grounding wire connected to a metal water pipe too.
2007-01-18 01:38:52 · answer #3 · answered by stretch 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would strong advise to contact an electrician. If you have an earthing rod, it is possible that you live in a remote area and use a TT system as most urban areas use the TNCS system (1970 +) and have PME / PEN. The earthing rod needs to be of sufficient length and size that when tested, it is recommended that the earth fault loop impedance does not exceed 21 Ohms. The circuit should also be protected by an RCD. Good Luck.
2007-01-18 07:59:32 · answer #4 · answered by Martin 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Firstly, if the builder pulled out the original one then HE is responsible for replacing it not you.
Secondly, it is an earth electrode that is absolutely crucial to your safety, especially if you have overhead cables supplying your electricity.
Thirdly, this is NOT something that you can fix, only an electrician can.
Fourthly, the work is certifiable.
Fifthly, the builder knows this, and that's why he passed it on to you, if that is really what happened.
2007-01-18 07:59:04 · answer #5 · answered by nigel t 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you don't have to turn off the power.
2007-01-18 09:28:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes you shouldn't really but if you pay an electrician to come out that's what he'll do anyway , earth wires nowadays are obsolete and virtually unnecessary but they are fool proof and unfailing in any circumstance imaginable so they remain .
2007-01-18 01:18:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋