Bed grounding, also known as earthing, is a practice that involves establishing a conductive connection between a person’s sleeping surface and the Earth’s electrical potential. This process typically utilizes a metallic conductor, such as insulated copper wire, to link the bed structure or a conductive mat to an external grounding source. The goal is to replicate the effect of standing or lying barefoot on the ground while indoors, introducing the Earth’s subtle electrical energy into the body over a prolonged period.
The Theory Behind Bed Grounding
Proponents suggest that the Earth functions as a reservoir of free, negatively charged electrons. Modern lifestyles, including wearing insulating rubber-soled shoes and sleeping on elevated beds, are thought to disconnect the body from this natural energy source. This disconnection is claimed to result in the body accumulating a slight positive charge, leading to an electron deficiency.
The theoretical purpose of bed grounding is to allow the Earth’s negative charge to flow into the body, neutralizing this positive charge and equalizing the body’s electrical potential. By absorbing these electrons, the body is purportedly supplied with natural antioxidants. This influx of negative charge is theorized to neutralize positively charged molecules known as free radicals, which are linked to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Essential Materials for the Setup
A successful do-it-yourself grounding setup requires specific components to ensure conductivity and secure connection. The primary component is a long length of insulated copper wire, typically 12- to 16-gauge, which must be long enough to run from the bed to the external grounding point. For connecting to a metal bed frame, a small metal clamp or secure bolt is necessary to ensure solid metal-to-metal contact.
Required Materials
- Insulated copper wire (12- to 16-gauge)
- Small metal clamp or secure bolt (for metal frames)
- Grounding plug (for wall outlet) or a dedicated copper grounding rod (for external use)
- Wire strippers
- Digital multimeter (to test the final connection)
Detailed Installation Procedure
The installation begins by preparing the copper wire and securing the connection to the bed. Use wire strippers to expose approximately one inch of bare copper wire on one end, then attach this stripped end securely to a metal part of the bed frame using a metal clamp or screw. If the bed is non-metallic, the wire must be connected to a conductive element, such as a foil strip or specialized fabric placed on the mattress surface.
Once the wire is secured to the bed, it must be routed to the grounding terminal. Route the insulated wire along the floor and wall. The wire must then be passed outside, often by routing it through a partially opened window or a small, drilled hole, to minimize the path length to the exterior ground.
The exterior connection is established by driving a copper grounding rod into the soil, ideally eight feet deep for consistent contact. The exposed end of the copper wire is then tightly wrapped or clamped to the top of this rod, completing the conductive path. Alternatively, the wire’s end can be connected to a specialized grounding plug that is inserted solely into the ground pin of a three-pronged electrical outlet.
Before use, verify the connection using a multimeter set to measure continuity or resistance. Place one probe of the multimeter on the bed’s connection point and the other on the grounding rod or the outlet’s ground pin. A reading close to zero ohms confirms a low-resistance, functional connection to the Earth’s electrical potential.
Electrical Safety and Practical Alternatives
The use of a do-it-yourself copper wire setup carries significant electrical risks. Connecting the wire to a household electrical outlet’s ground pin is hazardous because faulty house wiring could energize the ground wire, potentially electrifying the entire bed frame and creating a severe shock risk. It is imperative to use a dedicated outlet tester to confirm the receptacle is correctly wired and grounded before plugging in any DIY device.
Using an outdoor grounding rod also introduces danger, as a direct lightning strike could be conducted through the copper wire into the home and the bed. Furthermore, an improperly grounded system can increase the body’s exposure to alternating current voltage, sometimes referred to as “dirty electricity.” This can occur if the conductive material acts as an antenna for ambient electromagnetic fields without being effectively shunted to the Earth.
A safer, more practical alternative involves using commercially manufactured grounding sheets or mats. These products are specifically engineered for safety and often incorporate a 10-kilohm resistor directly into the connection cord. This built-in safety measure limits the flow of current to a non-hazardous level in the event of an electrical fault or surge, preventing the danger of electrocution. Relying on certified products mitigates the dangers associated with directly connecting a bare copper wire.