236E Enhancer

The Thompson "Enhancer" reduces the resistivity of the soil surrounding the ground rod. This greatly increases the efficiency of the grounding system. Reduction of ground resistivity is especially important in areas of poor soil conductivity and/or shallow depth. Under these conditions, reductions of ground electrode resistance of up to 80% or more may be expected. The "Enhancer" can also be used as a stand-alone ground electrode where shallow soil precludes driving ground rods. The "Enhancer" is manufactured from four inch copper pipe. This provides twice the surface contact area per foot compared to alternative products. This device also offers significant installation cost savings since no mechanized augering is required. The top cap is at grade level and is removable for inspection, ground testing and replenishment of the "Low-Ohm" high conductivity fill material. Holes in the cap allow rainfall or water from sprinkler systems to collect in the reservoir and leach into the soil as a highly conductive electrolyte. Under abnormally dry conditions, additional water may be poured into the reservoir if the lowest possible grounding resistance values must be maintained. This will usually be unnecessary as previously leached "Low-Ohm" material in the soil will greatly increase its conductivity even under dry conditions. Non-toxic, environmentally friendly magnesium sulfate is used as the active element. One fifty pound bag of "Low-Ohm" enhancement material is included with each "Enhancer".

  • Standard nominal length is 36". Other sizes up to 20'0" available by special order. INSTALLATION: 1) Excavate soil to provide a hole about 12 inches in diameter by one foot deep. 2) Auger a 6 to 7 inch hole, 3 feet deep at the center of the depression. 3) Center and drive the required ground rod until the top is approximately three inches below finished grade. 4) Slide the enhancement electrode over the ground rod as shown with the top flush with grade. Make cable connections and fill the copper pipe with "Low-Ohm" enhancement fill. 5) Mix about three fourths of the excavated soil with five pounds of "Low-Ohm" enhancement fill and sufficient water to make a slurry. 6) Pour the slurry around the pipe guarding against the formation of the air pockets. 7) Backfill the remaining excavation with the original soil. 8) Trickle water into the "Low-Ohm" filled tube until it overflows. Replace the inspection cap and installation is complete.