Iwire, you might have a valid point of view. This install, however, is EXACTLY what the local AHJ prescribes. Had I buried it, that would have caused some problems at inspection time. Heck, I'm lucky they don't insist on a full 10" above ground, so that they can read the stamping!
Now, the picture might be a bit deceptive; the -maybe- 2" of rod sticking up is not enough for a rod cap to grip. Heck, the diameter is small enough that I have trouble keeping the smallest caps on the rods I have in my garden!
Now, to be fair, I DID drive the rod as far as the rod-driver would allow. To go any deeper, I would have needed to dig. And that, as noted earlier, would have raised further issues at inspection.
Not visible is also the local insistance on #4 solid copper for the GEC. That is always a real joy to attach to the ground clamp. Those of you who use "acorns" have no idea how easy you have it!
