How To Connect Earth Ground

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How To Connect Earth Ground

Today, we’re diving into a crucial part of residential electrical systems: installing a system ground, also known as a ground plate. This setup is essential for safely bonding your electrical service and maintaining code compliance.

Let’s walk through the process.

Why Install a Ground Plate?

In our project, the homeowner recently had their main copper water line replaced with poly, which removed their previous system ground. Since the copper line was part of the home’s electrical bonding, it needed to be replaced with a proper grounding system—in this case, a ground plate.

Step 1: Installing the Ground Plate Outside

We began by running a #6 copper ground wire (RW90 stranded) out through the foundation and into the trench.

By code, the ground plate needs to be installed at least two feet below grade. Luckily, we were able to make use of the existing trench that was already dug for the water line replacement.

Here’s how we installed it:

  • We connected the #6 copper wire to the ground plate using the approved clamp.
  • The ground plate was placed flat at the bottom of the trench to ensure full soil contact—no air gaps.
  • The wire and plate were then ready to be backfilled.

Note: As an alternative to a ground plate, two 10-foot ground rods spaced 10 feet apart may also be used. However, installing rods often requires a jackhammer and extra labor, making the ground plate a simpler solution in some cases.

Step 2: Connecting the Ground Wire Inside the Panel

Next, we headed into the basement to complete the connection inside the electrical panel.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a licensed electrician for any electrical work in your home.

Here’s what we did:

  • We removed the main panel cover to expose the service entrance wiring.
  • We fed the new ground wire up through the wall, into the panel compartment.
  • Because the new water line is now plastic (polypropylene), it no longer qualifies as a grounding electrode. So, we connected the copper ground wire directly to the main neutral bar inside the panel—the first point of attachment for grounding in this 200-amp service.

We also:

  • Removed the old, now-unused ground wire.
  • Ensured everything was securely connected.
  • Put the cover back on the panel after verifying all connections.

Safety First

Throughout this process, we made sure to:

  • Shut off power before working inside the panel.
  • Use the proper tools and PPE.
  • Confirm that the new ground wire takes any stray current safely to earth, which helps prevent dangerous arcing or surges.

Again, all work was performed by licensed electricians.

Final Thoughts

That’s how we install a system ground using a ground plate! It’s a simple but critical part of any electrical service, especially when updates like water line replacements affect your existing grounding system.

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