When driving a ground rod at an angle up to 45 degrees, how deep must the electrode be buried in a trench?

The correct requirement for burying a ground rod when driven at an angle of up to 45 degrees is that it must be placed at a minimum depth of 30 inches. This depth is established to ensure that the ground rod has sufficient contact with the earth to effectively serve its purpose as a grounding electrode. Proper grounding is crucial for electrical safety, as it protects against electrical faults and surges.

When a ground rod is driven at an angle, although the total length may not be fully vertical, it is important that the portion buried still meets the depth requirement for grounding effectiveness. The 30-inch depth helps ensure that the grounding system has adequate resistance to ground and mitigates risks associated with ground faults.

Other depths mentioned do not meet the criteria established by various electrical codes for safe grounding practices when installing ground rods at an angle, making them inappropriate choices.