[Heathkit] Gadzooks, when is a ground a ground?

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 6 Dec 2007 at 18:29, John Hensley wrote:

> 
> Can anyone explain when a ground is a ground?  I have an available 60A
> 220V line but there is no ground.  The shield on the cable is being
> used as the neutral.  This is an old house (1956 construction).

That was commonly done in those days. Now-a-days, there 
are more refined requirements.

> 
> Is it sufficient to hammer in a good earth ground and use it as the
> ground or should I have the heavy cable line (expensive!) rerun with 3
> conductors and a shield?

It kinda depends on local codes, and how well they "mesh 
with" the National Electrical Code (NEC). When I upgraded 
our service, the electrical inspector, who is very 
knowledgeable, showed me that the NEC requires a 
DEDICATED ground rod, at least 8' long, within 10 feet of 
the panel.

By DEDICATED means that it can be used for nothing else. 
In other words, you can't use it for your ham shack also.

> Another way of asking:  what test procedure could be used to check and
> verify a ground is a ground ?????

Hmmmm...measure the earth resistance? I dunno. I never 
worried about measuring it: I just followed the NEC.

>  As I understand it, a surge
> protector is rather useless unless a true ground is present.

Well, yes, AND the wiring between the ground and the 
surge protector must carry that ground to it.

Ken W7EKB