Abstract: A ground clamp comprises an electrically-conductive main member with outwardly-projecting upper and lower flanges. One or more lugs or abutments (which may have pointed tips) project upward from the lower flange, and a bolt rotatably engages a threaded hole or nut on the upper flange, such that the lower end of the bolt stem is oriented toward the lower flange. The lower end of the bolt stem has a concave recess with a sharp-edged circumferential rim. When a conductive element of a structure or equipment unit requiring grounding is disposed between the lugs and the bolt stem, rotation of the bolt will clamp the conductive element between the lugs and the bolt stem, with the bolt stem's sharp-edged circumferential rim tending to rotatingly penetrate any surficial contaminants on conductive element, thus establishing or enhancing electrically-conductive contact with sound metal beneath the surficial contamination on the conductive element.

Abstract: A method for electrically grounding structures or equipment includes providing an open-topped enclosure having peripheral sidewalls defining an interior cavity, positioning the enclosure over an in situ soil mass, placing a selected soil material in the cavity, and installing a grounding device in the soil contained in the cavity, so as to establish electrically-conductive continuity between the grounding device and the soil material in the cavity, and between the soil material in the cavity and the underlying in situ soil mass. Electrical cables can then be run between the grounding device and a structure or equipment to effect electrical grounding thereof. The effectiveness of the resultant electrical grounding may be enhanced by moistening the soil material in the enclosure and/or the in situ soil mass. The enclosure may have an open bottom, or may have a floor element with apertures allowing passage of moisture.

Abstract: A method for electrically grounding structures or equipment includes providing an open-topped enclosure having peripheral sidewalls defining an interior cavity, positioning the enclosure over an in situ soil mass, placing a selected soil material in the cavity, and installing a grounding device in the soil contained in the cavity, so as to establish electrically-conductive continuity between the grounding device and the soil material in the cavity, and between the soil material in the cavity and the underlying in situ soil mass. Electrical cables can then be run between the grounding device and a structure or equipment to effect electrical grounding thereof. The effectiveness of the resultant electrical grounding may be enhanced by moistening the soil material in the enclosure and/or the in situ soil mass. The enclosure may have an open bottom, or may have a floor element with apertures allowing passage of moisture.

Abstract: An electrical grounding device comprises an elongate shaft with plate members projecting radially outward from a lower region of the shaft. The shaft and plate members are made of an electrically-conductive material, and are connected such that an electric current can flow between the plates and the shaft. The device is installed by boring a hole into the earth to a selected depth less than the length of shaft above the plates. The grounding device is inserted into the borehole and driven into the earth below the borehole until the upper end of the shaft projects a desired distance above the adjacent earth surface, leaving the shaft projecting sufficiently to allow connection of grounding cables. The borehole is preferably filled with gravel or other suitable fill material, and water may be added to the fill to enhance electrical conductivity between the device and the earth.

Abstract: An electrical grounding device comprises an elongate shaft with plate members projecting radially outward from a lower region of the shaft. The shaft and plate members are made of an electrically-conductive material, and are connected such that an electric current can flow between the plates and the shaft. The device is installed by boring a hole into the earth to a selected depth less than the length of shaft above the plates. The grounding device is inserted into the borehole and driven into the earth below the borehole until the upper end of the shaft projects a desired distance above the adjacent earth surface, leaving the shaft projecting sufficiently to allow connection of grounding cables. The borehole is preferably filled with gravel or other suitable fill material, and water may be added to the fill to enhance electrical conductivity between the device and the earth.

Abstract: A ground fault protection device includes an electrically-conductive main body having downwardly-extending, ground-penetrating electrodes configured for minimal ground penetration. The device has one or more grounding terminals for connection of grounding cables, and may have handles for manual transportation. The device may be installed at a desired field location by applying downward force to the device to press the electrodes into the earth, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the grounding terminals and the ground via the main body and the electrodes. Grounding cables may then be connected between the grounding terminals and structures or equipment requiring grounding. Optionally, the main body may define a reservoir having a plurality of drainage ports.

Abstract: A ground anchor includes a body having an upper surface and a lower surface; ground-piercing members depending from the lower surface of the body, with the ground-piercing members being adapted to engage an underlying ground surface and prevent movement of the body along such ground surface; ballast positioned on or in the body, with the ballast being sufficient to maintain the ground-piercing members engaged with the ground surface when under load; and means for securing an anchor line to the body. Ground-engaging means such as a ground-engaging blade member or flanges may be attached to the ground-piercing members to increase the surface area perpendicular to the line of force to provide additional resistance to movement.

Abstract: A ground fault protection device includes an electrically-conductive main body having downwardly-extending, ground-penetrating electrodes configured for minimal ground penetration. The device has one or more grounding terminals for connection of grounding cables, and may have handles for manual transportation. The device may be installed at a desired field location by applying downward force to the device to press the electrodes into the earth, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the grounding terminals and the ground via the main body and the electrodes. Grounding cables may then be connected between the grounding terminals and structures or equipment requiring grounding. Optionally, the main body may define a reservoir having a plurality of drainage ports.

Abstract: A ground fault protection device includes an electrically-conductive main body defining a reservoir having a plurality of drainage ports, and having downwardly-extending, ground-penetrating electrodes configured for minimal ground penetration. The device has handles for manual lifting and transportation, plus grounding terminals for connection of grounding cables. The device may be installed at a desired field location by applying downward force to the device to press the electrodes into the earth, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the grounding terminals and the ground via the main body and the electrodes. Grounding cables may then be connected between the grounding terminals and structures or equipment requiring grounding.

Abstract: A ground fault protection device includes an electrically-conductive main body defining a reservoir having a plurality of drainage ports, and having downwardly-extending, ground-penetrating electrodes configured for minimal ground penetration. The device has handles for manual lifting and transportation, plus grounding terminals for connection of grounding cables. The device may be installed at a desired field location by applying downward force to the device to press the electrodes into the earth, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the grounding terminals and the ground via the main body and the electrodes. Grounding cables may then be connected between the grounding terminals and structures or equipment requiring grounding.