Is a 1/2 inch diameter by 10-foot long ground rod acceptable for any lightning protection installation?

The diameter and length of ground rods used in lightning protection installations are critical for ensuring effective grounding and safety. A 1/2 inch diameter by 10-foot long ground rod is not acceptable because it does not meet the standard specifications typically required for grounding in lightning protection systems.

Most guidelines, including those specified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL), emphasize that ground rods must have a specific minimum diameter, often set at 5/8 inch (or larger), to ensure they can adequately dissipate lightning energy into the ground. Additionally, while a 10-foot length is common, the diameter is crucial for accomplishing the necessary low-resistance connection to the earth, which is essential for effective lightning protection.

The size of the ground rod affects its electrical resistance: a rod that is too small in diameter may not provide a low enough resistance path, which could compromise the system's effectiveness. Therefore, a ground rod of this diameter does not fulfill the requirements, making it unsuitable for any lightning protection installation.