Grounding a stock-tank de-icer

clsmith15 · #1 01/02/10, 08:16 AM

Instructions call for installing a ground rod. Would grounding to a woven-wire fence t-post be sufficient? The de-icer will be plugged into a contractor grade extension cord going to a gfci plug adapter.

7thswan · #2 01/02/10, 09:25 AM

I don't know why it would say that, unless it is assuming that you would be pluging it into a barn without GFI. But hey, electricty and I are Not friends. P.S. can you put a wire off the adapter,to a rod?

Bearfootfarm · #3 01/02/10, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Would grounding to a woven-wire fence t-post be sufficient?

It would work, but I think it would be safer to use a seperate rod to eliminate the risk of electrifying your fence

clsmith15 · #4 01/02/10, 09:48 AM

Thanks for the input. The instructions said that the grounding is for the ultimate in safety. It confused me because I install ground rods for electric fencing to increase the shock. I could put in a separate ground rod near the tank but I already have several on this property from old electric fencing that I need to remove and I've gotten to the point that I don't want to install any more unless it is necessary. I cannot install a ground rod near the outlet adapter. I was wondering if other people who use a de-icer installed a ground rod as well.

Beeman · #5 01/02/10, 10:23 AM

The reasoning is that if the deicer malfunctions the ground will trip the GFCI so no problems with an animal especially on a plastic tank. I had a ground rod near my tank and just ran to it.

plowjockey · #6 01/02/10, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clsmith15

Thanks for the input. The instructions said that the grounding is for the ultimate in safety. It confused me because I install ground rods for electric fencing to increase the shock. I could put in a separate ground rod near the tank but I already have several on this property from old electric fencing that I need to remove and I've gotten to the point that I don't want to install any more unless it is necessary. I cannot install a ground rod near the outlet adapter. I was wondering if other people who use a de-icer installed a ground rod as well.

Sound's about right.

Ungrounded stock tank heaters have been in use for probably 60 years, now we have to start worrying. I never have installed a separate gorund.

FYI - ground rods for electric fences are needed to creat a loop to shock, when wire (and earth of course) are both in contact.

Most plugin deicers use three prong plugs now anyway, that are already connected to ground. (usually).

clsmith15 · #7 01/02/10, 12:06 PM

Thanks for the additional input!

Jim-mi · #8 01/02/10, 07:15 PM

Installing a ground rod right at the tank comes under the heading:
Better to be safe . .then sorry............

Beeman · #9 01/02/10, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clsmith15

Thanks for the input. The instructions said that the grounding is for the ultimate in safety. It confused me because I install ground rods for electric fencing to increase the shock. I could put in a separate ground rod near the tank but I already have several on this property from old electric fencing that I need to remove and I've gotten to the point that I don't want to install any more unless it is necessary. I cannot install a ground rod near the outlet adapter. I was wondering if other people who use a de-icer installed a ground rod as well.

Hook one of the extra ground rods to the woven wire, then hook your stock tank ground to the T post/woven wire.

clsmith15 · #10 01/03/10, 07:36 AM

I wish I could hook one of these ground rods in but they are not near the woven wire fence. I am one of those better safe than sorry people so it looks like I"ll be installing yet another ground rod.