I do more service upgrades than new installations. So that usually means I'm pounding two ground rods.
-- Do you drive the rods below grade?
Yes, If I didn't I'd be creating a tripping hazard and violating code for not having 8' of the rod in contact with the soil.
— If so, how are the connections inspected?
I have seen inspectors kick dirt away, but generally the local inspectors know my work and they are more focused on the more critical parts of the install, bonding, etc. I suppose they could require me to dig it back up or leave it exposed.
— What tool is used to drive the rods?
Sledgehammer, sometimes, if the soil is decent they will push in part or some of the way. I do have an adapter for the rotary hammer drill. That is my preferred method.
— What wire do you use?
#6 or #4 solid.
— How do you protect the above-grade portion of the wire?
Generally I try to run it so it is not exposed to physical damage. Occasionally I will sleeve it in sch 80 PVC but usually more for looks than protection.
— Do you bond the wire to the buried end of the conduit? How?
I would never use a metallic wiring method to do this, only sch 80 PVC.
— How do you connect multiple rods together?
I generally loop my wire through my clamps. I have used copper C crimps and added on to existing GECs.
— Do you take any steps to protect the wire connecting multiple rods?
I bury it several inches deep as close to the building as possible.
As to the last post I would never run two wires under one acorn. One or nothing. CSST? The only time I run into an issue there is when I wire furnace change outs in a city inspected area where the electrical inspector also inspects the heating/ gas. He wants me to bond the CSST even though its really not in my scope of work. I feel that if it was suppose to be bonded it should have been done when the building was built. I can either tap on to the GEC to the ground rod outside and run to the fitting on the gas meter, or they allow me to run a #6 from the water main or main service panel to the indoor gas manifold. Usually its the second choice. Since its not a GEC or part of the electrical system, they are fine with mechanical means rather than an irreversible connection.
