Changing to horizontal nipple bucket, but have a question.

[Twoleggedmotherhen]

Changing to the horizontal nipple bucket, but have a question about the multi-use de-ice I have for it. The instructions say to use a grounding rod, for plastic place grounding wire in the water and connect to grounding rod with grounding clamp.
Those of you who use the nipple waterers and have a de-ice in it, do you use a grounding rod setup?
I went to TSC to get the stuff and they said it wasn't needed. And walked away, as I tried to show them the de-ice instructions, so rude. I walked out.
Went to Home Depot, I was looking on my phone to find where the grounding clamps were, when a gentle man who worked there ask if I needed help. I showed him the heater instructions and he said, okay you are in the right aisle follow me. He took me right to them.
I figure the instructions say to do it, be safe and do it. Hubby agrees.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I’m no electrician but I would say it wouldn’t hurt and will give you peace of mind.

I looked at their instructions and it says to also use a GFCI outlet. I would make sure that the grounding rod doesn’t interfere with the grounding of the outlet.

 

[Twoleggedmotherhen]

I’m no electrician but I would say it wouldn’t hurt and will give you peace of mind.

I looked at their instructions and it says to also use a GFCI outlet. I would make sure that the grounding rod doesn’t interfere with the grounding of the outlet.

Yeah that will be no problem. More of peace of mind chickens won't get shocked or killed.

 

[blackdog043]

I have a de icer and don't use a grounding rod. My coop electric does have a GFCI outlet.

 

[paneubert]

Everyone has different risk levels they are willing to accept. For me I think a grounding rod for a de-icer is way overkill. Especially if you are plugging it in to a GFCI outlet.

 

[Twoleggedmotherhen]

It may be overkill, but grounding rod is done. Hubby's nephew by marriage is an electrician. Brother in law and him came out, nephew said for my safety let's do it, so he installed it.

 

[paneubert]

It may be overkill, but grounding rod is done. Hubby's nephew by marriage is an electrician. Brother in law and him came out, nephew said for my safety let's do it, so he installed it.

Won't hurt having it. I just would not have spent any mental energy or time with one unless I had the relatives you had that did it for you.

 

[Twoleggedmotherhen]

Checked on waterer this morning, ice free. Didn't see any of the 4 hens try it yesterday. I tapped the nipple with the golden Comets beak to show her. Figured once one did it others would follow. This morning when I checked a nipple the Barred Rock saw it came over and started using the nipple. The EE and Golden joined in. Was funny those 3 pushing and shoving to use the same nipple until the EE went to another nipple. Brahma didn't join in but I have no doubt she will do it.
Now to make a chick nipple waterer for the brooder.