When connecting multiple grounding electrodes, how should they be linked?

When connecting multiple grounding electrodes, bonding them together as a single grounding system is essential for ensuring a low-resistance path to ground. This practice enhances the overall effectiveness of the grounding system by allowing any fault current to be safely dispersed across all connected electrodes, thereby reducing the risk of electrical shock and equipment damage.

By bonding the grounding electrodes, you create a unified system that helps to equalize voltage potential between different grounding points, minimizing the risk of hazardous voltage differences. This is crucial in maintaining the safety of electrical installations, as it helps ensure that any electrical faults are effectively cleared, protecting both people and equipment.

The other options mentioned do not support the requirement for a safe grounding system as effectively. Leaving electrodes separate diminishes their collective efficacy, while connecting them through a resistance element or in series could create additional resistance or voltage drops, undermining the purpose of grounding which is to maintain low resistance to ground.