What Does
Ground Rod Mean?
A ground rod is a metal bar (typically copper or galvanized iron) that is driven into the ground to provide a predetermined electrical path to safely dissipate a static charge to the earth. This carries the electrical current away from the circuit in the event of an electrical surge (such as that caused by lightning).
Trenchlesspedia Explains Ground Rod
With the increase in the demand for trenchless installation and rehabilitation of buried electrical utilities, the number of electrical hazards to construction personnel has increased significantly.
One of the hazards associated with trenchless construction is the inadvertent contact with buried electrical lines. To prevent life-threatening impacts on construction personnel, an electrical grounding system (consisting of a ground rod) is used to direct the current to the ground and bypass persons and equipment.
Boom trucks, aerial lifts, mini cranes, auger bits and drill rigs are just some of the equipment that run the risk of contact with electrical utilities (both over and below ground).