What should be done if a ground rod is accessible and does not meet the NEC resistance requirement?

If a ground rod is accessible and does not meet the NEC (National Electrical Code) resistance requirement, the appropriate action is to install additional grounding electrodes or deepen/re-evaluate the existing electrodes. This approach ensures that the grounding system achieves the necessary resistance to effectively dissipate electrical faults into the ground, providing proper protection for both equipment and individuals.

Grounding electrodes should ideally have a resistance of 25 ohms or less to ensure a reliable connection to the earth. If a ground rod fails to meet this requirement, simply leaving it in place or monitoring it does not address the problem of inadequate grounding. Additionally, replacing it with a larger rod may not solve the issue if soil conditions or other factors still prevent proper grounding. Therefore, adding more grounding electrodes or assessing the depth and condition of the current rod can maximize conductivity and improve safety by ensuring compliance with performance standards outlined in the NEC.