To reduce the chance of electrical shock and fires, service panels need to be grounded. Proper grounding directs unwanted electrical current from the home into the ground. Installing a grounding rod is difficult when the ground is hard.

Step 1: Check local building codes to determine the number of grounding rods needed, along with the correct grounding wire size. Some municipalities require two grounding rods driven six feet apart, while others settle for one.

Step 2: Determine the best spot to install the rod. Ideally the rod will be near the foundation wall directly below the service panel. Rods can be installed inside or outside the home. Once installed, the top of each rod should be below the surface of the ground it is in.

Step 3: Call Dig Safe at 811 to ensure there are no power lines running near the installation site.

Step 4: Dig a 6-inch deep, 6-inch wide hole in the ground where the rod will be installed. For interior installations, use a demo hammer to break through the concrete floor before digging into the dirt.

Step 5: Center the grounding rod in the hole and use a fence post driver to pound the rod into the ground. Adding water to the hole may help.

Step 6: Once the top of the rod is below grade, attach the copper grounding wire to the rod using an acorn-shaped grounding clamp. Slide the clamp over the end of the rod. Slip one end of the grounding wire between the rod and the “V” shaped side of the clamp. Tighten the clamp screw until the wire is secure.

Step 7: Run the wire up from the grounding rod to the circuit panel. Secure the wire to the foundation along the way. For exterior applications, drill a small hole through the foundation and feed the wire through the hole. Seal the hole with spray foam insulation topped off with a bead of silicone caulk.

Step 8: Turn the power off at the main breaker. Remove the cover panel and use a voltage sensor to assure the power is off.

Step 9: Attach the ground wire to panel’s pressure connector or grounding bar.

Step 10: Replace the cover panel and turn the power back on.

Step 11: Have the building inspector confirm the work is done properly before covering the top of the grounding rod.

— Have a home improvement question for Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at hardware@sunflower.com.