Exothermic Ground Rod

Mark Kleine N5HZR and Ed Hatch AG5DV of the South Canadian Amateur Radio Society, (SCARS) (https://w5nor.org) made an exothermic connection between an underground 6 AWG ground wire and a 1/2" diameter eight-foot long ground rod at the Norman, OK Red Cross building. This video short will show the setup, a failed attempt, and the final successful weld connection. The first one failed because the Cadweld ceramic wasn't properly supported, and it dropped when the weld fired.

Enjoy, and subscribe to our SCARS YouTube channel for future amateur radio videos!

 

Monkey wrench gang ;-)

 

“And.....”.

I would have loved to see the look on his face right then!!

 

Nice fireworks. I do the same thing with a Torch and Silver Solder. I usually wrap the wire around the rod a few times.

Dan KI4AX

 

Do you actually solder a ground connection?
The exothermic connection is an acceptable ground connection recognized by UL.

 

Because in the field welders are not always available?
Also...I'm not sure about this...I'm not sure a welding method for ground rods has been certified. Exothermic connections are the only method I've witnessed on construction sites. Exothermic connections are used for ground rods and connections to building steel. Very commonly used and UL certified.

 

I use a propane torch an silver solder also and I've never had a problem. That is also what my REMC uses when they put the ground at the meter base. My insurance company has looked at them and have always said good job not a problem. Guess it depends on your location and what your insurance company says or will accept. I've also used a regular cutting torch and brazing rod and got the same result and no problems.

Bob

 

https://www.erico.com/category.asp?category=R790

This product makes nearly indestructible electrical grounding connections.
Our crews have made thousands of this welds.
Ken
KD8DWO
IBEW 8 Toledo Ohio

 

Exothermic welding can withstand multiple lightning strikes undamaged where often a clamped connection just blows apart.