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antipode12 · Jul 17, 2007, 09:57 PM

Hi, new homeowner...

I just recently discovered this technological advance known as a "ground rod!"

I apparently have two: one by my house and one by my pool.

They stick out about 9 inches above ground level.
They're unsightly and begging for someone to trip over them.

Can I hammer them deeper? Cover them somehow? Is it necessary to have them above the ground?

Thanks:confused:

tkrussell · Jul 18, 2007, 02:40 AM

The top of the ground rod should be at or below grade, and the wire connector should be rated for direct burial. If the ground clamp is bronze then it is most likely rated DB. There will be markings on the connector stating DB.

antipode12 · Jul 18, 2007, 11:26 PM

Thanks for the reply. I am confused, though, because several sites direct people to leave a portion of the rod above ground. This isn't correct? Why would they instruct as such?

The following comes from this site: http://www.inspect-ny.com/lightning/lightning.htm

Ground rods shall be at least 1/2" in diameter and 9' long, and driven into the ground leaving 12" of the ground rod above ground and 8' below ground. Ground rods shall be connected to the lightning protection system using a two-bolt bronze clamp of at least 1.5" long and using stainless steel cap screws.

Another site that claims such is: http://www.davisnet.com/product_docu...unding_kit.pdf

Thanks

tkrussell · Jul 19, 2007, 01:49 AM

All I have to rely on is the National Electric Code, I refer you to Section 250.53 (G), "The electrode shall be installed such that at least eight feet is in direct contact with the soil".

It also states that if bedrock does not allow a rod to be driven 8 feet, it can be buried in a trench 30 " deep. Can't leave any exposed then.

This all can be found at:

NFPA 70: National Electrical Code®

This is a bit cumbersome to get to the actual reading, I have the instructions to get to this code in the Read This First post of this forum. I hope it is clear enough for you to get to the actual code I cited.

Always keep in mind that local codes may supersede the national code. The NY site is for Home Inspectors, they may or may not know local code, they are not the Authority having Jurisdiction of New York, only home inspectors.

Rods not driven in completely loose effectiveness. Also, 250.70 states that the ground rod clamp that will connect the wire to the rod needs to be rated for direct burial.