Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

Which tool is commonly used to install ground rods?

1. Sledge hammer

2. Torque wrench

3. Pipe cutter

4. Circular saw

The correct answer is: Sledge hammer

The tool commonly used to install ground rods is a sledge hammer. Ground rods are typically made of metal and need to be driven deep into the ground to achieve a proper electrical ground. The sledge hammer is specifically designed for heavy-duty striking and can deliver the necessary force to effectively drive the ground rod into the earth. In contrast, a torque wrench is utilized for tightening fasteners to a specific torque, making it unsuitable for driving ground rods. A pipe cutter is intended for cutting pipes, which does not relate to installing ground rods at all. A circular saw is meant for cutting various materials, primarily wood or sheet goods, and would not be appropriate for the task of driving ground rods into the soil. This makes the choice of a sledge hammer the most effective and practical tool for this particular installation task.