Method and apparatus for producing a grounding path on a structure

A method for providing an electrical ground path on an aircraft structure, the method comprising:

• providing a grounding plate having a hole therethrough;
• inserting through the hole in the grounding plate a stud having a threaded shank and a head wherein the head of the stud includes a spade that extends in one piece substantially perpendicularly from the threaded shank and is adapted for receiving a rivet therethrough, the spade having a substantially planar surface that is arranged to conform to the structure such that the head of the stud is arranged to be riveted to the structure;
• riveting the head of the stud to the plate;
• and
• threading a nut on the shank of the stud.

A method for providing an electrical ground path on a grounding plate, the grounding plate having a hole therethrough, the method comprising:

• inserting through the hole in the grounding plate a stud having a head and a threaded shank wherein the head of the stud includes a spade that extends in one piece substantially perpendicularly from the threaded shank and is adapted for receiving a rivet therethrough, the spade having a substantially planar surface that is arranged to conform to the grounding plate such that the head of the stud is arranged to be riveted to the grounding plate;
• riveting the head of the stud to the grounding plate with a rivet;
• placing a first electrically compatible washer over the threaded shank of the stud so the washer is in electrical contact with the grounding plate;
• threading an electrically compatible jam nut over the threaded shank of the stud;
• torqueing the jam nut to make electrical contact with the washer;
• placing a wire terminal over the threaded shank of the stud so the wire terminal is in electrical contact with the jam nut;
• placing a second washer over the threaded shank of the stud so the second washer contacts the wire terminal;
• threading a lock nut over the threaded shank of the stud so the lock nut contacts the second washer;
• and
• torqueing the lock nut such that the wire terminal is held in electrical contact with the grounding plate.