Underground ground rod connection issue

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dufo
Posts: 81
Joined: Thu Sep 16, 2004 4:42 pm
Location: Australia

Underground ground rod connection issue

Post by dufo »

My power to a detached garage (3 phase) has its ground rod buried in the concrete outside the door. No visable wires so I can only presume it runs under ground and into the service panel. What can I do to get my star ground connected to the rods? Can I simPly patch it into the earth wire at the back of the panel ? Thanks
dufo
Posts: 81
Joined: Thu Sep 16, 2004 4:42 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Underground ground rod connection issue

Post by dufo »

I forgot to add, I ask this as there is no ground buss bar in my service panel.
Speedskater
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Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 3:21 am
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Re: Underground ground rod connection issue

Post by Speedskater »

The ground rod into Mother Earth is there for safety from thunder & lighting storms or if the power company has a real big problem. The green safety ground wires (EGC or PE) should be connected near the breaker panel at the building service entrance.
Kevin
dufo
Posts: 81
Joined: Thu Sep 16, 2004 4:42 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Underground ground rod connection issue

Post by dufo »

Yeah , but can I Splice my star ground to it?
Speedskater
Posts: 171
Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 3:21 am
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Re: Underground ground rod connection issue

Post by Speedskater »

Now that I don't know! I'm some 12 000 miles away so I just can't pop in. There are many different ways to wire a three phase system. How are the other circuits connected to Mother Earth?
Kevin
gullfo
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Re: Underground ground rod connection issue

Post by gullfo »

recommend you get a licensed electrician to look at this. not having a ground in the service main is likely a serious issue. and you should only have a single earth ground (unless you have it engineered for another purpose - which it sounds like you do not).
Glenn
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