Grounding rods sticking out - correct installation?
Hi - I just had my old 100 amp panel replaced with a 200 amp panel, and as part of the process two grounding rods were driven, and a new mast was installed. I'm hoping it was done correctly, but some of the choices made by the electrician just don't look right to me. I have not had the work inspected yet.
For this post, my main question is why are the grounding rods sticking out? I've read two books on residential wiring, and they both state that the rods should be beneath the surface (unless I misunderstood). I asked the electrician about this, and he they needed to be exposed because an inspector would need to check certain markings on the rods. Sounds weird to me - why not just leave the tops unburried, then have me cover them later after they're inspected?
Secondly, my plumbing runs through the walls and attic, and not through the slab (repipe last year). The electrician hooked the second rod up to the plumbing to use it as part of the grounding system. He said it would still be effective, since one the plumbing left the house in the front it went into the ground. Again though, the books on wiring that I read said that plumbing is something that needs to BE grounded, not something that should provide the grounding, especially when the pipes run through the attic.
The pictures say everything. Can some experts provide input? Is this normal and good practice?
Thanks in advance!
http://www.rosemarydrive.com/renovat...rounding01.png
http://www.rosemarydrive.com/renovat...rounding02.png
http://www.rosemarydrive.com/renovat...rounding03.png
http://www.rosemarydrive.com/renovat...rounding04.png
http://www.rosemarydrive.com/renovat...rounding05.png