Grounding electrode

#The invention relates to a drilling-type grounding electrode that eases the installation of grounding electrodes in various soil conditions.

#Grounding electrodes (or ground rods) used in conjunction with a grounding electrode conductor, are used to bond various electrically conductive pieces of equipment to the same ground potential. This accomplishes two important functions: first, for personnel and equipment safety; second, for establishing a common ground reference point for the electrical system.

#Various municipalities have differing requirements for grounding installations. Many, for instance, rely upon NFPA 70, otherwise known as the National Electrical Code, while still others rely upon local or city codes. In any case, the vast majority requires the use of a grounding electrode for various installations, such as grounding an electrical service to a building, grounding the lightening protection system on a building, tying together a grounding grid utilized by some special buildings, or grounding various pieces of electrically conductive equipment that are in close proximity to an electrical potential or are at risk of coming into contact with an electrical potential.

#FIG. 1 is a depiction of a grounding electrode with a drill bit at one end and a head adapted for engagement by a socket at the other end.

#FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the grounding electrode head adapted to receive a socket tool.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating how the grounding electrode is connected to a socket tool and a hammer drill.

#FIG. 1 illustrates the grounding electrode 10. The grounding electrode 10 comprises an elongated cylindrical body portion 12, a head 14, having a “Factory End” indicator 15, the head 14 being adapted to be received by an installation tool, and a bit end 16, adapted to facilitate insertion of the grounding electrode 10 in the ground.

#The bit end 16 preferably comprises a masonry bit a shown having a conical section 18 with a blade 20 extending there through as shown in FIG. 1. The blade 20, preferably extends to approximately the diameter of the body portion 12, but may be wider than or narrower than the body portion 12. The blade 12 may be attached to the conical section 18 by any expedient means, such as, but not limited to; welding, bolting or friction fitting. In other embodiments, the bit end may have other drill type bit ends as are known in the art.

#The grounding electrode 10 preferably is manufactured of a sturdy material such as steel to facilitate installation without deformation. In addition, the grounding electrode 10 is coated with a layer of copper along the body portion 12, to increase the electrical conductivity of the grounding electrode 10. Further, the conical section 18 and blade 20 are preferably manufactured of a sturdy material such as steel to facilitate installation of the grounding electrode 10.