In one- and two-family dwellings, when the overall maximum length of a grounding electrode conductor is impractical, a communications ground rod must be driven to a minimum length of how many feet?

In the context of one- and two-family dwellings, when the overall maximum length of a grounding electrode conductor becomes impractical, it is standard practice to utilize a supplemental grounding method. Specifically, a communication ground rod serves as an alternative grounding source. The requirement for this ground rod to be driven to a minimum length of 5 feet provides an effective and reliable path to ground.

This length ensures adequate grounding performance and compliance with safety standards. A 5-foot grounding electrode rod is long enough to reach deeper soil, which usually has better conductivity and can provide a low-resistance path for fault current. This facilitates proper grounding for communication systems, helping to protect equipment and maintain signal integrity during electrical faults or surges.