Final answer:
To ensure effective grounding, after driving a ground rod, you should check the resistance and ensure it is below 25 ohms. If it's not, additional rods may be necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
After driving a ground rod, you should check the resistance with an ohm meter. If the resistance is not below a certain value, another rod should be added on top or another rod should be driven beside the existing one. The typical industry standard for ground resistance is less than 25 ohms, although specific requirements may vary depending on local codes and standards. To ensure the safety and effectiveness of the grounding system, it is critical to achieve a low enough resistance to dissipate potential electrical faults safely into the earth.
Grounding plays an essential role in protecting electrical systems by providing a reference point for the voltage (zero volts) and a return path for fault currents, minimizing the risk of electric shock or damage to equipment. The actual resistance value of the ground rod can be influenced by factors such as soil conductivity, moisture content, and the depth at which the rod is driven.