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INCH-POUND
A-A-55804A
30 May 2002
SUPERSEDING
A-A-55804
11 March 1996

COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTION

RODS, GROUND (WITH ATTACHMENTS)

The General Services Administration has authorized the use of this

commercial item description for all federal agencies.

1. SCOPE. This commercial item description (CID) establishes the government acquisition
requirements for grounding electrodes with connecting cables and provisions for securing
attachments to exposed noncurrent-carrying conductive materials of electrical equipment in
mobile shops and temporary or permanent power stations, and to establish grounds in areas
devoid of underground metallic water piping systems.

2. CLASSIFICATION. The ground rods shall be classified by the following types and classes
as specified (see 7.4(b)).

Type
I - Auger rod
II - Driven rod
III - Sectional rod
IV - Driven head

Class
A - Galvanized steel
B - Copper-clad steel

3. SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 Materials. Materials shall be as specified herein and the applicable figures. Materials not
specified shall be subject to the requirements of this description.

3.2 Threads. All threads shall be of readily accepted commercial sizes. Type III rods shall have
5/8-11-UNC-2B or 3/4-10-UNC-2B threads. The coupling threads shall be as specified in figure 5.

Beneficial comments, recommendations, additions, deletions, clarifications, etc. and any data
that may improve this document should be sent to: Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR),
ATTN: DSCR-VBD, 8000 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond, VA 23297-5610.
AMSC N/A FSC 5975
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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3.3 Rods. The ground rod assemblies shall be in accordance with National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) 70, "National Electrical Code" (DoD adopted).

3.3.1 Class A rods. Class A rods shall be fabricated from steel conforming to American Society
for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A 108, "Standard Specification for Steel Bars, Carbon, Cold-
Finished, Standard Quality" (DoD adopted), grade 1020, 1022, or 1025 and shall have a hardness of
B 74 to 82 as specified in ASTM E 18, "Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness and
Rockwell Superficial Hardness of Metallic Materials" (DoD adopted). The rods shall be galvanized
in conformance with ASTM A 153/A 153M, "Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot Dip) on
Iron and Steel Hardware" (DoD adopted), class A, and shall have a depth not less than 0.0034 inch.

3.3.2 Class B rods. Class B rods shall be fabricated from steel conforming to ASTM A 108,
grade 1016, 1018, or 1020 and shall have a hardness of Rockwell B 90 to 100 with copper
cladding of not less than 0.010 inch in conformance with ASTM B 152, "Standard Specification
for Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Rolled Bar" (DoD adopted).

3.3.3 Protective finishes. Metal surfaces of the rod and attachments that are exposed when in
use, but are not inherently corrosion resistant, shall be finished to resist corrosion.

3.3.4 Type I rods. The type I rod shall be 8 feet long ±1 inch and 5/8 inch minimum diameter.
It shall consist of a steel rod with an auger tip for ground insertion on one end and a T-handle on
the other end (see figure 1). The T-handle shall be steel and shall be attachable to the grounding
portion of the rod at the center of the T-handle. The auger tip shall be steel, with a right-hand
thread not less than 9 inches in length. The ratio of the pitch diameter to the major diameter of
the flutes shall be approximately 1.4 to 1. The auger tip shall be integral with the rod or attached
thereto by means of brazing or welding. The tip shall be heat-treated to a minimum hardness of
Rockwell C 45 in accordance with ASTM E 18.

3.3.5 Type II, class A or class B rods. The type II rod shall be 8 feet ± 5/8 inch long and 5/8 +0
-5/64 inch in diameter, or 8 feet ± 3/4 inch long and 5/8 +0 -5/64 inch in diameter, or 10 feet
long ± 1 inch and 3/4 inch +0 -5/64 inch in diameter as specified in the order (see 7.4(c)). These
rods shall have a conical end for ground insertion and a flat end with a chamfer. The conical
point angle shall be 60 degrees, with a tolerance of ±5 degrees. The chamfer shall be 30 degrees
(see figure 2). The ground insertion end shall be pointed without application of heat to retain
original hardness of the metal.

3.3.6 Type III, class B rods. The type III rod shall have three 3-foot ± 3/8 inch sections, 5/8 inch
+0 -5/64 in diameter, or four 5-foot ± 3/4 inch sections, 3/4 inch +0 -5/64 in diameter, or two 5-foot
± 3/4 inch sections, 3/4 inch +0 -5/64 in diameter as specified in the order (see figure 3) (see
7.4(c)).

3.3.7 Type IV, class A rods. The type IV rod shall be 8 feet ± 1/2 inch long, 5/8 inch +0 -5/64 inch
diameter (see figure 4).

3.4 Fastening devices. All screws, pins, bolts, and similar parts shall be installed with means for
adjustment and preventing loss of tightness.

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3.5 Clamps. Clamps shall permit installation on the ground rod before or after the rod is inserted
into the ground. To prevent electrolytic corrosion, the clamp body and parts shall be made of
material compatible with the class of rod upon which they will be used.

3.5.1 Type I clamps. The clamp for type I rods (see figure 1) shall consist of a U-shaped yoke
to accommodate a crossbar containing a threaded hole. A hex-head bolt to fit the threaded hole
shall be used to apply pressure to the contact plate and clamp, producing a positive electrical
connection without overstressing the material. The minimum size of the bolt shall be 5/16 inch.
The minimum thickness of the clamp shall be 1/8 inch.

3.5.2 Type II and III clamps. The clamp for the type II and type III rods (see figures 2 and 3)
shall have a one-piece assembly with a threaded hole and a hex-head cup set screw of 1/2-inch
minimum diameter. The clamp shall be of sufficient size to allow it to be fitted over the ground
rod. When mounted in place, it shall provide a positive electrical connection with the rod and
grounding cable.

3.5.3 Type IV clamps. The clamp for the type IV rod shall have a 1/2-inch diameter thumbscrew,
20 threads per inch, and a washer (see figure 4).

3.6 Ground cables. The overall cable length shall be 6 feet ± 1 inch, unless otherwise specified
in the order (see 7.4(d)).

3.6.1 Type I grounding cables. The grounding cable for type I rods shall consist of No. 10 wire
size, rope stranded (7 strands), extra flexible bare copper wire or a strap of braided or woven
copper wire equivalent to No. 6 wire size. A strap, if supplied, shall be not less than 3/4 inch and
not more than 1 inch wide. The wire or braid shall be coated with tin, lead, or lead alloy. One
end of the wire or braid shall be soldered or brazed to the yolk of the U-clamp and the opposite
end shall be attached to the power clip (see figure 1).

3.6.2 Type II, III, and IV grounding cables. The grounding cable for types II, III, and IV rods
shall consist of No. 6 wire size, flexible, bare stranded copper wire.

3.7 Ground terminals.

3.7.1 Type I grounding terminals. The ground terminal for type I rods shall be a clip such as
A-A-59466, "Clips, Electrical, General Specification for", type PC, with the proper current rating.

3.7.2 Type II, III, and IV grounding terminals. The ground terminal lug for types II, III, and IV
(see figures 2, 3, and 4) shall be an internal pressure bar type containing a threaded hole fitted
with a fillister head machine screw for tightening against the pressure bar. The terminal shall
provide electrical contact with the cable without deformation or weakening of the connection. A
flattened portion shall be provided on the terminal with minimum dimensions of 1/2 inch long by
1/2 inch wide by 1/16 inch thick. This portion shall include a hole 9/32 inch ± 1/32 inch in
diameter.

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3.8 Impact strength. The rod shall be capable of meeting the following impact requirement
without shattering, becoming deformed, or otherwise physically damaged. With the ground rod
in a vertical position and securely held in place by a suitable device placed 6 inches from the
drive end of the rod, a 4-pound weight shall be dropped on the drive end of the rod from a height
of 10 feet a total of 25 times.

3.9 Bending. The rod shall be capable of meeting the following bending requirements without
showing evidence of cracking of the surface of the bent portion. At a temperature of 77 ± 9 °F,
the rod shall be held in a suitable rigid clamp or vise and the free end bent by applying a force
normal to the rod at a distance of 40 rod diameters ± 1/32 inch from the clamping device. The
normal force shall be applied until a permanent angular bend of 30 degrees is attained.

3.10 Clamp and grounding cable attachment. The clamp, with the grounding cable attached to
the rod, shall be capable of withstanding a 150-pound pull on the cable for five minutes in a
direction parallel to the axis of the rod, without slippage of the clamp or cable.

3.11 Contact resistance. The contact resistance between the terminal connection and the ground
rod shall not exceed 0.005 ohm.

3.12 Workmanship. All ground rods and component accessories shall be free of burrs and sharp
edges. Welds shall be free of fissures and lack of fusion with the parent metals. Metal coatings
shall be free of pits and voids.

4. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Recovered materials. The offeror/contractor is encouraged to use recovered materials to the
maximum extent practicable, in accordance with paragraph 23.403 of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation (FAR).

4.2 Metric products. Products manufactured to metric dimensions will be considered on an

equal basis with those manufactured using inch-pound units, provided they fall within specified
tolerances using conversion tables contained in the latest version of FED-STD-376, "Preferred
Metric Units for General Use by the Federal Government", and provided all other requirements
of this CID are met. If a product is manufactured to metric dimensions and those dimensions
exceed the tolerances specified in the inch-pound units, a request should be made to the
contracting officer to determine if the product is acceptable. The contracting officer has the
option of accepting or rejecting the product.

5. PRODUCT CONFORMANCE PROVISIONS

5.1 Product conformance. The products provided shall meet the salient characteristics of this
CID, conform to the producer's own drawings, specifications, standards, and quality assurance
practices, and be the same product offered for sale in the commercial marketplace. The
government reserves the right to require proof of such conformance.

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5.2 Market acceptability. The product offered must have been previously sold either to the
government or on the commercial market.

6. PACKAGING

6.1 Preservation, packaging, and marking. Preservation, packaging, and marking for shipment
shall be in accordance with ASTM D 3951, "Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging"
(DoD adopted), or as specified in the acquisition order (see 7.4(e)).

7. NOTES

7.1 Part or identification number (PIN). The following PIN procedure is for government
purposes and does not constitute a requirement for the contractor.

AA55804 - X X Example of reference part number: AA55804 - 1A

Class: A - Galvanized steel
B - Copper-clad steel
Type: 1 - Type I - Auger rod
2 - Type II - Driven rod
3 - Type III - Sectional rod
4 - Type IV - Driven head
CID number

7.2 Sources of documents.

7.2.1 FAR. The FAR may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box
371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. Electronic copies of FAR documents may be obtained
from http://www.arnet.gov/far/.

7.2.2 CIDs and federal standards. Copies of CIDs and federal standards may be obtained from
General Services Administration, Federal Supply Service, Specification Section, 470 East
L'Enfant Plaza SW, Suite 8100, Washington, DC 20407. Electronic copies of CIDs and federal
standards may be obtained from http://astimage.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/.

7.2.3 ASTM standards. Copies of ASTM standards may be obtained from the American Society
for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
Electronic copies of ASTM standards may be obtained from http://www.astm.org/.

7.2.4 NFPA standards. Copies of NFPA standards may be obtained from the National Fire
Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101.
Electronic copies of NFPA standards may be obtained from http://www.nfpa.org/.

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7.3 National stock number (NSN). The NSNs listed below are assigned for the listed product
types and classes (see table I). Other NSNs may also correspond with this document.

NSN Type Class Size

5975-00-371-9428 I A 8 feet long
5975-00-296-5324 II B 8 feet long
5975-00-878-3791 III B 9 feet long, three 3-foot sections
5975-00-952-1791 III B 10 feet long, two 5-foot sections

7.4 Ordering data. The contract or order should specify the following:

a. CID document number, revision, and CID PIN.

b. Type and class of rod (see 2).
c. Length of rod (see 3.3.5 and 3.3.6).
d. Length of ground cable if different (see 3.6).
e. Special packaging requirements (see 6.1).

7.5 Subject term (key word) listing.

auger
electrical
grounding cable
power stations
terminal

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18" Min.
21" Max.

T-handle
Clamp
Hex-head
bolt

Brazed Ground rod

Auger tip

Grounding
cable
Power clip

FIGURE 1. Type I, class A auger rod.

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Chamfer

Clamp

Hex-head
set screw

Ground rod

Conical point
Ground
terminal

Grounding
cable

FIGURE 2. Type II, class A or B driven rod.

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Driving stud
(drive stud shall
bottom on ground
rod before driving)

Clamp

3-3' Sections for 9' rod

4-5' Sections for 20' rod
2-5' Sections for 10' rod
3-Couplings for 9' rod
4-Couplings for 20' rod
2-Couplings for 10' rod

Ground
terminal

Grounding
cable

FIGURE 3. Type III, class B sectional rod.

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Chamfer

Shoulder Peen end of

thumb screw thumb screw

Washer
Grounding
cable

Ground rod

Conical point

Ground
terminal

FIGURE 4. Type IV, class A driven head rod.

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A B
A B
30° For 5/8" rod 7/8" 5/8-11UNC-2B
30° For 5/8" rod 7/8" 5/8-11-UNC-2B
For 3/4" rod 1" 3/4-10UNC-2B
For 3/4" rod 1" 3/4-10-UNC-2B

Material: copper alloy no. 655, high

Material: copper
silicon alloy
bronze; 1/4no.hard
655,temper
high
silicon bronze; 1/4 hard temper
condition, Rockwell B80 hardness.
condition, Rockwell B 80 hardness.

2 1/2"32 Min.
1/2" Min.
3 1/8" Max.Max.
1/8"

B B

A A

FIGURE 5. Coupling for type III, class B sectional rod.

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CIVIL AGENCY
MILITARY INTERESTS: COORDINATING ACTIVITY:
Custodians: GSA - 7FXE
Army - CR4
Navy - MC
Air Force - 11

Reviewer Activities: Preparing Activity:

Army - CR DLA - GS2
Air Force - 99
(Project 5975-1352)

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