[TenTec] Ground rods thru the basement floor?

[k9uw]

If anyone is contemplating the installation of a ground rod through your basement floor, may I offer a suggestion?

Trying to pound a 8' rod straight down can be a challenge when the top of the rod is only inches from the ceiling.  I had rented a hammer drill to create the hole in my basement floor and, after several frustrating attempts to drive the rod with a heavy hammer, I noticed that the drill (with bit removed) fit very nicely over the top of the ground rod.  Squeezing the drill's trigger for a second or two moved the rod several inches.  The ground rod was down in less than a minute!

Although my basement is high and dry, I know that our local hardware store sells a pre-mixed cement that is specifically made for application on wet walls to plug leaks.  Should seal around the ground rod, I'd think.

My TenTec equipment is very happy with a ground rod directly beneath the desk.

73, de Mike, K9UW
Amherst, WI



---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: "John" <brazos at rochester.rr.com>
Reply-To: tentec at contesting.com
Date:  Wed, 10 Dec 2003 16:26:10 -0500

>Good question !  does this kind of install make sence ?  I could drill a
>hole through my basement floor 3 feet away from the radio and drive a 8 foot
>ground rod , is this worth it will it hurt the basement floor or cause leaks
>?  John