How to Make an Electrical Earthing for a Factory

Determine the size of the grounding conductor by going to Electrician2.com (see Resources) and inputting the factory's service amp capacity into the amp field. Use the copper ground conductor size for your wire selection.

Determine the size of the grounding rod by going to the Pacific Gas and Electric Comapny website (see Resources) and comparing the grounding conductor size to the appropriate rod size.

Choose a location outside the building to install your grounding rods into the ground. This is typically as close to the electrical distribution panel as possible to reduce the cost of the grounding conductor.

Hold the ground rod vertically to the earth and place the grounding rod driver on top. Allow the grounding rod driver to naturally work the rod into the ground until there is only about six inches above the ground.

Measure 16 feet from the first grounding rod in any direction and install the second grounding rod into the ground using the same method.

Fasten the grounding rod clamp to the top of the grounding rod by tightening its compression mechanism with a wrench. Repeat this step to install the grounding rod clamp to the second grounding rod.

Insert the ground wire into the first grounding rod's clamp terminal and secure by tightening with a wrench. Run the wire to the second rod and fasten to its clamp in the same manner.

Run the grounding wire into the building and to the electrical distribution panel. Turn off the power for the panel by opening the main breaker. Confirm the power is off by touching a noncontact voltage detector to the distribution wire's insulation.

Remove the screws that secure the cover on the panel, and set the cover aside. Run the ground wire through the same side of the panel as the ground bus bar. Cut the ground wire to length with wire cutters.

Tighten the compression mechanism on the side of the panel to secure the ground wire. Insert the ground wire into the largest terminal on the ground bus bar, and tighten it down.

Reinstall the electrical distribution panel's cover, and turn the power back on.