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GregS

In article , wrote:
Jay1028 wrote:

I am specifically talking about surges generated out on the power
lines on the poles propogating into my home. I realize that nothing
can stop a direct lighning hit. I have three ground rods spaced at
10ft apart joined at the center one with 6ga bare copper. I have read
not to create a ground loop by having different ground locations, so
besides what the builder had done with a piece of rebar embedded in
the concrete and one ground rod, I added three more. The 6ga run to
the meter and the load center behind it is about a 6 foot run.

I next have to find a surge supressor for the cable coming into the
house. I opened the box mounted on the outside wall near the power
entry and there is just a grouning block in there. Nothing good to
say about the cable installation.

Jay

Were those ground rods tested for ground resistance? How deep are
they, and what part of the state are you in? There are a lot of
different soil conditions in different parts of Florida. We had to have
85 feet of ground rod driven before we passed the test in northern Lake
County about 20 years ago. It was about three feet short of length of
the well pipe.

I never even heard of a test. I guess in some areas they don't worry about it.
You would think Florida would be pretty good conductivity compared to
most other areas. Most or all homes around me have a ground on the water pipe comming
into the house. Its a good ground, but the outside rods must be at the box. It
could span the distance of the house.
If you have standard telephone, don't forget to protect the incomming line.
Whatever you get, make use of the insurance. If its such a problem, I would have
the electric company install the device. I can "rent" a device by them at some extra expense.

greg