---
title: "What Is Ground rod? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A ground rod is a metal rod driven into the soil that connects a building's electrical system to the earth."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ground-rod
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

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](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding-electrode-conductor) ties the rod to the panel. A rod is one kind of [grounding electrode](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/electrical-panels-and-service-upgrades).

[Daniel Electric can helpElectrical panel repair and replacement](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrical-panel-repair-replacement)

## Related terms

-   [Grounding electrode](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding-electrode)
-   [Grounding electrode conductor](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding-electrode-conductor)
-   [Grounding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/grounding)
-   [Bonding](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/bonding)

## Sources

1.  [Oncor: Electric Service Guidelines](https://www.oncor.com/content/dam/oncorwww/documents/electric-service-guidelines/Electric%20Service%20Guidelines%202021.pdf)
2.  [nVent ERICO: Grounding & Bonding for Electrical Systems](https://www.nvent.com/sites/default/files/dam/ixv2mfer6y/h86962-usen.pdf)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

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