A rod electrode shall consist of how many ground rods at minimum?

A rod electrode typically consists of at least two ground rods as a minimum requirement. This is because using two rods enhances the grounding system's effectiveness, providing a more reliable path for fault currents to safely dissipate into the earth. The use of two rods allows for better resistance to grounding, which is crucial for ensuring the safety and performance of electrical installations.

One rod alone may not provide sufficient grounding, particularly in areas with high soil resistivity or in installations requiring superior grounding for sensitive equipment. In contrast, having two rods spaced appropriately apart contributes to better grounding performance, significantly reduces the grounding resistance, and improves overall system safety.

In summary, the standards and best practices in electrical installations recommend a minimum of two ground rods to ensure a reliable grounding system that can effectively handle unexpected fault conditions.