by Jerry Peck - Codeman on Thu May 19, 2011 7:31 pm
Marc,
First, the *minimum* length a grounding rod or pipe is required to be in contact with earth is 8 feet, if the grounding rod is 8 feet long, then the entire 8 foot length would need to be in contact with earth.
While 10 foot grounding electrodes are available, it is extremely rare (in my experience) to find a 10 foot long ground rod used on residential property - however, if a 10 foot rod is used, then the minimum 8 foot burial depth could be achieved with 2 feet of the rod sticking up out of the ground. If an electrician tell you the partially buried ground rod is a 10 foot rod, have them prove it (it is easier to just drive it the rest of the way into the ground).
If the ground rod is driven all the way into the ground, the connector for the grounding electrode conductor to the ground rod must be accessible for inspection, and must be protected from physical damage. Some AHJ will allow the top of the ground rod and the connection clamp to be just below grade level and left exposed for the inspection, then covered up afterward. Other AHJ will require a protective sleeve of some type be places around the top of the ground rod and the clamp, leaving it open for inspection and be protected from physical damage by the sleeve.
The ground rod clamp needs to be protected from damage least it become loose and/or the grounding electrode conductor be damaged - even in a planter ... especially in a planter ... where a shovel could easily cause damage to the clamp or the conductor, or cut the grounding electrode conductor.
Not sure if I covered all the questions you were asking?
Jerry Peck - CodeMan
AskCodeMan.com
Construction Litigation Consultant - Retired
Construction and Code Consultant - Semi Retired