Harris wrote:

I think the electrical code calls for #8 copper wire.

Depends where you are. #8 or #6 in some places. That, however, is for
the *main service* / system ground and is based on the ampacity of the
line coming into to the service (100 amperes, in this case).

For electronic equipment, the ground does NOT have to be bigger than the
ungrounded conductors feeding the cicuit. A 15A cicuit will have, at
the minimum, a #14 guage cu wire. Any ground wire larger than that is
pure luxury.

Also be sure to use
the proper connector to attach your wire to the rod. The rod should be
driven slightly below grade.

I like to be able to see the connection. If it's underground, moisture
build up may rot the connection. I'd leave 3 or 4 inches above ground so
you have access to the termination. use an anti oxide grease like
Penetrox or Noalox, or in a pinch, smear the works with vaseline before
clamping together.

If you stub your toes on the protruding rod, place a one ended tin can
over the clamp. Leave the red tomato picture label on as a warning g


For lightning protection, you should avoid
sharp bends in the ground wire.

This is just an equipment ground. If there is EVER any lightning current
going throught it, your radio has just become a 400 $ fuse for a 2 $
piece of wire.

A trick I heard of for lightning protection was to tie a knot in the
power cord going to the radio. The guy telling me that said he actually
saw a cord that had disintegrated *at* the knot when lightning had hit.
He claims that the current will self cancel because of the knot. I don't
know if that was BS or not, but it can't hurt. Just don't damage the
insulation when tying the thing.

For RF grounding in the shack, nothing beats flattened, braided wire
(e.g., remove the braid from some RG-8 coax).

See: http://thewireman.com/products.html#grounding

Art N2AH