Grounding with a triangle - come on, goodbye: the pin method, gentlemen!

  • Dec 14, 2020
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Grounding in a private house is the basis for the safety of its inhabitants. And the installation of such a circuit should be carried out at the very beginning of laying the network, even before the installation of the switchboard. Many craftsmen make a ground loop in the shape of a triangle, but electrical engineering does not stand still, and there is a more convenient and reliable method, namely, a pin.

Pin method. Benefits

Why is it better to use a grounding rod set? Why not stop at the more familiar three sharpened corners, driven into the ground and connected with metal strips?

Figure 1: What a ground pin looks like
Figure 1: What a ground pin looks like

Everything is very simple - the pin method of grounding installation differs from the more usual one in a number of advantages, namely:

  • Installation speed is many times faster. No need to hammer in the corner, weld on strips, etc. The pins are hammered with a puncher, and all connections are bolted.
  • Low cost of the kit. If we take a contour made in the form of a triangle, then its price is certainly less, because 3 metal corners cannot cost more than a set, the total length of which reaches 10 meters. But still the pin set has an affordable, adequate price.
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  • Lifetime. At least 10 years, until the earth and moisture do their job, gradually turning the metal into rust. Many manufacturers of grounding studs apply a special protective grease to their products to prevent corrosion.

The only drawback is that only master electricians can install the circuit. In addition, you must have a perforator with a special attachment.

How to install a pin ground loop

The installation of the pin circuit is quick and interesting. Of course, if you know what to do.

Installation sequence:

  1. Install the first pin where the outline will be located later.
  2. Attach a special nozzle to the perforator and, turning the tool on with your fingers, drive the pin into the ground, leaving a small free area on the surface - no more than 10-15 cm.
  3. Fasten on the clogged pin the connecting sleeve that comes with the kit. On the one hand, the coupling is attached to a hammered pin, and on the other, to the next, free one.
Figure 2: Example of connecting two pins

4. Also hammer in 2 pins with a puncher.

5. Repeat the sequence until the entire set is in the ground.

The last pins will enter with effort, since their total length in the ground will be quite solid.

Or maybe make it a triangle?

Installation of the ground loop in the form of a triangle does not in any way violate clause 1.7.56 of the PUE, which states that all parts of the earthing switch must be mechanically strong. This means that this type of grounding is permissible and can be used, for example, in private houses.

Figure 3: Grounding pin diagram

But electrical engineering, like other industries, is developing, and not standing still. Every day new devices, devices and consumables appear on the market, which not only simplify the installation process, but also make it more reliable. So why go back to the old, if you need to improve and strive only for a new, better quality and simplifying life?