How to Ground a Mobile Home

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Things You'll Need

  • 2 grounding rods

  • Posthole digger

  • Shovel

  • Measuring tape

Grounding a mobile home helps to make the electrical system safer.

The regulations regarding mobile homes and manufactured homes have changed since mobile homes were first manufactured. Most communities are now requiring mobile homes to be equipped with a 200 amp four-wire service that is grounded. The increased power helps the owner to run appliances in the mobile home without triggering breakers on a regular basis. Grounding the mobile home increases the safety of the electrical system.

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Step 1

Use the measuring tape to measure a distance of 6 feet from the meter pole. One grounding pole will be buried next to the meter pole and the other grounding pole must be buried 6 feet away. It is advisable to bury the second grounding pole between the meter pole and the mobile home to prevent foot traffic from passing over the grounding poles.

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Step 2

Use the posthole digger to dig 8-foot holes at the measured locations. Place the grounding rods into the holes and hold them so they stand straight up. Use a shovel to fill the dirt back in around the rods. Pack the dirt down as it is being filled in around the rods.

Step 3

Turn the power off to the mobile home at the main disconnect.

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Step 4

Locate the green ground wire coming out of the main disconnect. Connect the ground wire from the main disconnect to the grounding rod conduit according to the directions included with the grounding rod. Run continuous grounding wire from the first grounding rod to the conduit of the second grounding rod. Secure the end of the continuous grounding wire to the conduit of the second grounding rod.

Tip

When locating the ground wire from the disconnect box, make sure to choose the green wire. The ground wire should always be coated with a green plastic sheath.

Warning

The second grounding pole needs to be placed a distance of 6 feet from the first grounding pole that is next to the meter pole. This distance helps to dissipate any electrical static that is built up in the grounding wire. Positioning the poles closer together could result in an electrical shock if the pole is touched.

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