Ground rods typically need to be at least 8 feet in length and have a minimum diameter of 5/8 inch, though 1/2 inch rods are acceptable if they are made of steel and copper-coated. A ground rod, also known as an earthing rod, grounding rod or ground electrode, is a long, slender metal rod that is typically made of materials like copper or steel. 52 (A) (5) in the 2017 National Electric Code (NEC). See figures 1 and 2 for the section requirements. However, what if I were to tell you this statement is not. Use ground rod clamps marked as suitable for direct burial in these three options. 10 or. Today, we're diving deep into the world of distribution box grounding, breaking down the standards, and shining a light on those sneaky mistakes that even experienced electricians sometimes make.