An earth connection using an electrical earth stake is essential for the effective operation of electrical safety switches. If the house is not earthed, people could get electrocuted. Without an earth connection, the safety switches will not work and an electrical fault could cause a house or appliances to become ‘live’ as the current flows to earth.

Earth stakes often do not work because:

• there is poor or no connection between the electrical wire and the earth stake
• there is dry soil around the stake
• the earth stake is too short or not in contact with the ground at all
• the earth stake is corroded or damaged.

• Earth stake surrounded by concrete preventing moisture to assist earthing and the earth wire has been disconnected.
• Earth stakes need moisture to work effectively
• Inadequate upgrade of earth stake

Ensure

• A1.2.1.

  the earth stake is long enough

• A1.2.2.

  the earth around the stake is kept moist (do not locate earth stakes under a veranda or large roofed area, and consider locating them near a tap) 

• A1.2.3.

  the earth stake is made of copper or other approved, durable and solid metal rod, not galvanised pipe

• A1.2.4.

  the earth stake, particularly the part above the ground, is protected from damage by vehicles, lawn mowers and weed trimmers

• A1.2.5.

  the earth wire is securely attached with two clips

• A1.2.6.

  where necessary, the installation may need to be two points of earth attachment.

Consider

• using multiple earth stakes or other earth connection methods when you live in a dry region; for example, an arid area earthing kit with soil additives to attract moisture to the earth stake (speak to the electrician about these options)
• installing additional or different power earthing arrangements if you have an on-site power generation system such as a fuel generator, renewable power system or hybrid energy systems.

Real world examples of Solutions

• Earth wire securely fixed to copper earth stake
• Concrete slab cut back to allow moisture to the earth stake to ensure the flow of current into the ground
• Double bonded earth stake installed under yard tap. The ideal solution.

• the location, length and material of the earth stake
  

  When: COMPLETED DESIGN & SPECIFICATION
  DURING CONSTRUCTION

• the connection of earth wire to earth stake (visual inspection only)
  

  When: AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION

• that the location of earth stake is included in the ‘as-built’ drawings of the house
  

  When: FINAL COMPLETION

• that the label for the location of the earth stake is clearly written in the switchboard with a permanent marker.
  

  When: AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION
  TRADE TEST

• the earth wire connection to the earth stake, and ensure that there are two connection points
  

  When: AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION
  TRADE TEST

• the building is earthed according to local regulations and ask the electrician to provide certification of compliance.
  

  When: AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION
  TRADE TEST

As part of cyclical maintenance check that: 

• there is no damage or danger to the earth stake or the connecting wires from vehicles, lawn mowers or weed trimmers
  

  Who : Local Maintenance Team, Housing Management

  When : 6 Months

• the earth stake is in moist ground
  

  Who : Electrician, Local Maintenance Team, Housing Management

  When : 12 Months

• if the earth stake is galvanised, have an electrician replace it with a copper earth stake
  

  Who : Electrician

  When : 24 Months

• the label giving the position of the earth stake is located in the meter box and it is easy to read
  

  Who : Local Maintenance Team, Housing Management

  When : 12 Months

• the top of the earth stake is painted silver, making it easy to find
  

  Who : Local Maintenance Team, Housing Management

  When : 24 Months

• housing managers should explain to residents the function of the earth stake and the visual inspection process and encourage them to carry out regular checks.
  

  Who : Housing Management

  When : 12 Months

AS/NZS 3000:2018 - Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)