> Mitch wrote > I read somewhere that the electronics [in mini-split units] > (especially in the LG brand units) were quite sensitive to > voltage spikes and ground issues, so I drove a dedicated > ground rod right under the unit and never subjected it to > homemade power, and always turned it off during storms, and > I'd often cut the breaker to it when the lights started > blinking during a storm.
It may be counter intuitive, but a separate ground rod is a _bad_ idea - especially for anything that is sensitive! For safety and for the well being of equipment, there should be one and _only_one_ connection from building electrical ground to earth ground for each post-transformer electric system. That is most houses since almost all houses are supplied from one transformer. If there is more than one rod, all the rods should be linked together and still have only one connection to the building electrical ground. The ground (dirt) is not some magical electrical super sponge that will "soak up" any and all electricity. It is a conductor - and usually a rather poor conductor. That means Ohm's law applies and _that_ means if there are two rods and there is a lot of current flowing through the conductor called dirt there will be a difference in voltage between the two rods. And that means there will be electricity flowing. That current flow can burn up wires or equipment. All that to say - multiple rods are okay ONLY if they are all connected together an the group is connected to the building at one place only. I have issues with this as my telephone ground is not at the same place as my electrical ground. It is pretty rough on any gear that's connected to both. Like a cordless 'phone base, modem, etc. _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
