ZincGuard Irrigation Grounding System

While there are various methods of achieving low ground resistance readings (e.g. rods, copper plates, etc.), D & B Power Associates, Inc. has combined a new ground sheet material with a unique system of grounding to provide the latest in grounding technology at a very affordable price.

Obtaining low ground resistance readings in sand or other low-resistance soil can be a frustrating endeavor. The best solution to date had been to drive multiple rods or to bury copper plates.

Our Solution

But, the real solution to obtaining low ground resistance readings is to provide a sheet system with the maximum amount of surface area. When D & B Power Associates, Inc. discovered that a number of electric utilities have been using a zinc ribbon instead of copper wire for counter poise grounding of high voltage towers, we decided to apply the same material to the problem of irrigation system grounding. We call this new power grounding system ZincGuard.

ZincGuard Specifics

ZincGuard consists of a zinc sheet .032” thick, measuring 9.15” x 120”. Soldered to one end of this sheet is a 1.5” x .032” zinc ribbon, 25’ in length.  At the end of the ribbon is a 12” pig-tail of #4 soldered copper wire for clamping or cadwelding to a ground rod. The complete grounding sheet kit is shipped in a 12” square box with simple installation instructions.

This new grounding configuration combines the surface area of a 10’ sheet with a 25’ ribbon, providing an area of 21 square feet in contact with ground enhancement material—this is more than 3 times the surface area of a typical 1’ x 3’ copper plate. The .032” thickness also provides a very sharp edge which helps to dissipate electrons into the soil. The total system has over 71 linear feet, as compared to the 8 linear feet of a typical grounding plate.

Does ZincGuard really work?

Actual field tests at various installations have proven the effectiveness of this new grounding system. The technical details are available along with results from the system tests.  If you would like additional information, please contact us or check our references.

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