An issue installing grounding rods-HITTING BEDROCK

[steve griffin]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
I'm new to the site and have a problem that I was hoping I could get an answer on. I was trying to drive in the ground two 8 foot grounding rods when I hit bedrock. I was only able to get about 3 foot in before this happened and I have moved ALL around the area and get the same results. Some years ago it's seems like I read somewhere that if you can go "horizontal" with your grounding rods so is there anyone out there that can me some insight on this ?

I appreciate any and all advice.

[Brian Hannigan]

Hello steve griffin,

I'm Brian Hannigan and I am the creator of InspectionNews

Welcome aboard. Enjoy your visit here at InspectionNews and if there is anything I can help you with just let me know.

As a "Thank You" for making your first post I have a gift for you. You can pick it up at:
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[Jerry Peck]

If you hit rock, you are permitted to drive the ground rods in at an angle not exceeding 45 degrees from vertical.

However, if the ground rod hits rock at 45 degrees, then the ground rods are permitted to be buried in a trench which is at least 30" deep.

You still need to keep the ground rods at least 6 feet apart (MINIMUM) at the closest point between the two rods - I would recommend digging a long trench, about 25 feet long, lay one 8 foot rod in near one end, leave 8 feet between the rods (6 feet is minimum), then lay in the other rod near the other end.

[steve griffin]

If you hit rock, you are permitted to drive the ground rods in at an angle not exceeding 45 degrees from vertical.

However, if the ground rod hits rock at 45 degrees, then the ground rods are permitted to be buried in a trench which is at least 30" deep.

You still need to keep the ground rods at least 6 feet apart (MINIMUM) at the closest point between the two rods - I would recommend digging a long trench, about 25 feet long, lay one 8 foot rod in near one end, leave 8 feet between the rods (6 feet is minimum), then lay in the other rod near the other end.

Thanks Jerry, I've also been told that the ground needs to be one continuous wire from the panel to both rod clamps.... without a splice.
Thanks again