PSA: Check your ground rod clamp before you hammer it in

Was on a job out near Oakville last week and spent 20 minutes trying to get a good reading on a ground rod. Turned out the clamp was full of rust and crud right where it contacts the rod. Wiped it clean and got 15 ohms no problem. Anyone else ever fight a bad connection from a dirty clamp?

2 comments

2 Comments

hayes.elliot14h ago

Honestly, the "full of rust and crud" part hit home. I had a similar headache last month on a service call where I was chasing a high resistance reading for way too long. Turned out the inside of my clamp was just packed with that white crusty corrosion, cleaned it with a wire brush and it dropped right down to 12 ohms. It's wild how much junk can hide in there and mess with your day.

james_ross12h ago

12 ohms after wire brush? That's insane, @hayes.elliot.