Inst ToolsInst ToolsInst Tools
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
  • Request
Search
  • Books
  • Software
  • Projects
  • Process
  • Tools
  • Basics
  • Formula
  • Power Plant
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Electrical Basics
  • Animation
  • Standards
  • 4-20 mA Course
  • Siemens PLC Course
Reading: What is a Ground Rod?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Inst ToolsInst Tools
Font ResizerAa
  • Courses
  • Design
  • PLC
  • Interview
  • Control System
Search
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
  • Request
Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Inst Tools > Blog > Basics > What is a Ground Rod?

What is a Ground Rod?

Ground Rod is used for grounding purposes to prevent the electrical devices from lighting current and static electricity.

Last updated: April 18, 2023 10:10 am
Viral Nagda
Basics Electrical Basics
2 Comments
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE

We all know that grounding is required in an electrical system, to pass the leakage current to the earth and prevent the equipment and personnel from damage.

Contents
What is a Ground Rod?What are Ground Rods made of?

Without proper earthing, there is always a chance of the equipment and devices getting damaged, if there is any overcurrent or high surge. So, it is necessary to connect ground wires from the equipment to the earth.

When it comes to grounding, there is one type of leakage current which is very damaging when not controlled; it is lighting current and static electricity. To deal with them, a device is installed with the earth system. It is called a ground rod. In this article, we will learn the concept of a ground rod.

What is a Ground Rod?

As the name implies, it is a rod which is used for grounding purposes. The ground rod special purpose use is to prevent the electrical devices from lighting current and static electricity (it is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material or between materials.

Ground Rod

The charge remains until it is able to move away by means of an electric current or electrical discharge). What happens is that when some high voltage surge like lightning strikes the electrical equipment, the very high spark or surge can damage the body or cause shock to the person touching it. To prevent this, a wire from equipment (ground point) is connected to the ground rod. The rod is buried inside the ground. It is placed near the equipment.

When the lighting strikes, the high leakage current will flow from the ground point in the device to the ground rod. As the rod has a very high impedance or resistance, it will not flow inside the ground from that rod to some another nearby rod. If the resistance was low, then the current will find it’s path from one ground rod to another; and if that other ground rod was connected to some device, then the return current will damage that equipment. So, the ground rod is made such that is has a very high resistivity to the current.

When one thinks that if the wire is anyhow connected to the ground rod, then why is the need to worry about the current flowing through some other rod? The answer is that electricity tries to get back to its source. It doesn’t just go into the Earth. And as there is a ground Rod at the transformer (mostly ground rod is connected to the neutral of a transformer), then there is a potential path for the electricity to get back to the source. So, the resistance of the ground rod must always be considered before installing it.

What are Ground Rods made of?

Ground rods are made of mostly three materials – copper, stainless steel and galvanized steel. The most famous one is that of a copper. Copper ground rods are said to have a very long life, but is equally expensive. If you want some cheaper type, then look for a stainless steel type. It is known to be especially corrosion-resistant, making it the preferred option in, especially salty environments; though having life smaller than a copper one. Galvanized ones are the least used, due to shorter life and more prone to corrosion; but they are the cheapest ones available.

Ground rods must be properly installed inside the soil. If the rod is somewhat placed above the soil (not fully, but only a small top part), it reduces the effectiveness of the ground. Ground rods that are bent over, have disconnected wires or are severely corroded must be replaced. If soil conditions change due to drainage or other factors that affect soil moisture, a ground rod that was acceptable at the time of installation may no longer meet approved requirements.

So, maintaining ground rod is equally necessary. Mostly, ground rods are installed vertically, it is practically very difficult to install it horizontally.

We don’t have any precise specifications as to where exactly a ground rod should be installed in a location. The best option is to install at least two feet away from a building structure to avoid causing any potential interferences. It is recommended to install it somewhat close to your electrical panel. You will also want to make sure that the ground rod is installed in a space that is accessible and easy to work in.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, PLC, and SCADA video tutorials.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive daily updates.

Read Next:

  • What is a Buchholz Relay?
  • Importance of Neutral Wire
  • Induction Motor Problems
  • Cables between VFD & Motor
  • What is a Current Transformer?
Don't Miss Our Updates
Be the first to get exclusive content straight to your email.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
You've successfully subscribed !

Continue Reading

Siemens Standard Drives Application Handbook (PDF)
DOL Starter – Working, Circuit, Advantages, Disadvantages, Applications
What is Instrumentation and Control ?
De-energized Electrical Circuits, Networks, and Equipment
Electrical Motor Jogging Operation
PLC Panel and MCC Panel Interface Signals
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link
Share
2 Comments
  • Ismael says:
    April 4, 2023 at 1:16 pm

    Greetings. I am an electrical engineer. I am very impressed with the publication. I wish you progress and prosperity

    Reply
  • Balajee Balajee says:
    March 24, 2024 at 12:11 am

    any update send me on email

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

128.3kFollowersLike
69.1kFollowersFollow
210kSubscribersSubscribe
38kFollowersFollow

Categories

Explore More

Transmitters 4-20mA Current Failure Alarm Limits
What are HP and LP Switches in HVAC?
Shutter Door Control using Motor and Limit Switches
Advantages & Disadvantages of Fuse in a Electrical Circuit
Electrical Earthing Calculations
Difference between PFD and P&ID with Example
What are Analog and Digital Signals? Differences, Examples
Difference Between Earth and Neutral

Keep Learning

MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker)

Industrial Circuit Breakers – Most Common Types – Principle

Difference Between NEMA and IEC Motors

Difference Between NEMA and IEC Motors?

Current to Voltage Conversion Circuit

How to Convert Current to Voltage using Resistor ?

Relay Internal Parts

Relay Operation, Types, Symbols & Characteristics

Comparison of Electrical Protection Relays

Comparison of Electrical Protection Relays

Motor Controls

Design and Implement Motor Control – Electrical Engineering

Safety Tips When Working With Electricity

Safety Tips When Working With Electricity

GuideLines for Loop Checks

How to Do Loop Checks During Plant Pre-Commissioning

Learn More

WinCC data logging

How to Export Data from WinCC Runtime Advanced into Excel using VB Script

Quiz Program Logic Using PLC Programming

Quiz Program Logic Using PLC Programming

P&ID arrangement for Pressure Safety Valves

P&ID Guidelines for Pressure Safety Valves

Feedback Pneumatic Load cell Objective Questions

Feedback Pneumatic Load cell Objective Questions

Intrinsic Safety Barriers

Intrinsically Safe Barriers Questions and Answers

Level Transmitter Design

Level Transmitter and Level Gauge Design Tips

Electrical Machines Objective Questions

Electrical Machines MCQ Series 14

Identify Instruments in Piping and instrumentation Diagram

Identify Instruments in Piping and instrumentation Diagram

Menu

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright

Quick Links

  • Learn PLC
  • Helping Hand
  • Part Time Job

YouTube Subscribe

Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?