single point ground

[W9ADY]

Nothing is ever easy.  I had been assuming that the service ground for my house was the ground used by the cable and phone lines, but when i explored around my electrical service panel I found that the ground was inside the wall and through the concrete of the garage floor.  Of course this is on the exact opposite corner of the house from my shack.  Any ideas?

[K9KJM]

We would have to see a complete diagram of your situation to be sure of course, But it sounds like a typical home where you need to tie the grounds together somehow. The best way to do that, If possible is outdoors, Underground with bare copper wire, At least #6 gauge or heavier. Adding ground rods every 16 or so feet along the path.

http://members.cox.net/pc-usa/station/ground0.htm

A long read, Be sure to also go through all the links he provides.

Also scroll down to the installation instructions on this one:

http://www.comm-omni.com/polyprod2.htm

[KB9CRY]

 had been assuming that the service ground for my house was the ground used by the cable and phone lines, but when i explored around my electrical service panel I found that the ground was inside the wall and through the concrete of the garage floor. Of course this is on the exact opposite corner of the house from my shack. Any ideas?

Where does the electrical service enter into the house or to that main panel?  Is there a meter out there?

If there is no ground rod at the outdoor meter, what I'd do is bond the incoming meter housing to that rod used by the cable/phone and then run an outdoor bonding wire around the house to your SPG system which is where all your radio cables and their arrestors are located just before the cables enter into the house.

Now you'll have everything tied together like it should be.

[WA4PTZ]

Every city I have ever worked in requires at least an
eight foot ground rod be placed as close to the power
entrance/power panel as possible, and not in concrete.
I am sure that ground rod is there, you may have to
follow the outside neutral wire to find it. Be sure
to check for voltage before handling the wire. Don't
assume it is clear. Even if you have to bury a
ground wire around the house you will be better
off doing so. The difference in ground potential
could result in destruction of your equipment and
a house fire.
73 ,
Tim WA4PTZ