ground rod location

[SKIPPINROCKS]

I need to place my 2 ground rods for my detached shop soon. The area in question has gravel but will eventually be a concrete side parking area. Our soil is mostly clay. Is it ok to have the ground rods covered by the parking pad/driveway or should i place them about 30 ft away in the yard

 

[PCustoms]

Can you do a UFER?

 

[SKIPPINROCKS]

no I didn't plan that out during concrete phase.

 

[rlitman]

I would want the rods inspectable, but that doesn't mean you can't pave too. I would use a 6" ground valve box to maintain access, and probably find one with a metal cover that's driveable.

 

[SKIPPINROCKS]

 

[SKIPPINROCKS]

I can put an access to the rod in when I get pavement that wouldn't be a problem as long as they are still effective under the pavement. I don't know how much it matters that the soil isn't staying wet in between the house and shop once concrete fills the space

 

[duneslider]

I'm no electrician but I have seen a number of ground rods installed through concrete, they drill a hole in the concrete and pound it in. So, that makes me "assume" it is fine to do. I also suspect in your area the ground will stay sufficiently damp, even in the desert there is moisture 6-8' down.

 

[manwithtools]

Don't worry about the concrete preventing the dirt from getting wet. You'll have plenty of conductivity for sure. I'd leave the ground rod and connector proud of the concrete. As @duneslider said it is not uncommon to drill through existing concrete to install ground rods.

 

[alfredeneuman]

I'd leave the ground rod and connector proud of the concrete.

That would require 10' rods. There has to be 8' buried.

 

[manwithtools]

Good point on the longer rods.

 

[sparky 1971]

I'd just pound them down below grade and pour the concrete over them. If there is an inspection, call the inspector and ask if he wants to see them before the concrete gets poured or if pictures are enough. The guys here are so busy that they tell me to take a couple of pictures and then never ask to see them. Probably just to keep me honest...