Proper galvanised stakes (Gallagher dealers should be able to supply them)
are important.
Copper �rods� are likely to be too thin if less than an inch diameter and so
will have little bearing surface (contact) with the soil and will not be
able to be driven in two metres deep. Also copper will corrode galvanise
wire where they join. Copper should not be used anywhere in electric
fencing, but if copper or copper coated pipes are used, use copper wire from
the energiser and copper clamps.
If you can�t buy proper earth stakes that are about two inches wide, then
get galvanised pipe of at least 1 inch diameter (preferably larger) and at
least two m (6 ft) long. Trials showed that two three metre long (deep) ones
gave better earthing than three two metre long ones. Depth is important,
especially in dry soils.
At least three two metre deep stakes are necessary, but if the energiser is
around 20 joules then at least five will be necessary and to reduce the
lightning risk, in a square formation with one in the middle all at least
three metres apart. If a lightning diverter is incorporated in the system,
five in this shape will protect the energiser better than a smaller earth
system or one where five stakes are in a line fifteen metres long.
Rust and corrosion occur more near the surface so use coated cable rather
that bare wire. All can then be at ground level.
In very dry areas a bentonite system may be necessary.
If milking, place the earth system well to one side of the parlor to prevent
shocks going through the parlor and position it well away from the mains
earth peg which might be only a metre deep and not made to conduct more than
a trickle of current.
I�ve written 40 pages on Fencing - Permanent, Temporary & Shocks
and 6 pages on Shocks Affecting Cows.
Please contact me direct if interested. Leon@GrazingInfo.com
On 13/5/06 1:56 PM, "Ann Tiplady & John Sease"
<ann.tiplady@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
> One source is telling me that copper grounding rods will corrode away and
> cease to function as the ground for the electric fence. They say that
> galvanized steel is a far superior. Does anyone here have any experience
with
> galvanized steel vs. copper for ground rods?
>
> Copper, and galvanized copper (new to me), are available locally. The
> galvanized steel is a couple of hours away.
>
> cheers, Ann
> Vermont
>
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Best wishes,
Vaughan Jones
Hamilton
New Zealand
