Wiring and circuits
Ground rod
A ground rod is a metal rod driven into the soil that connects a building's electrical system to the earth.
Oncor's service guidelines list the ground rod as the only grounding electrode the company approves. They call for copper-clad steel, 8 feet long and at least 0.625 inch across, and they do not accept Ufer grounds. nVent says the ground rod is the most widely used electrode.
A grounding electrode conductor ties the rod to the panel. A rod is one kind of grounding electrode. Rod size, depth and count follow code and local rules, so a licensed electrician should install and inspect it. See panels and service upgrades.
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Sources
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