How far apart should individual ground rods be installed when multiple rods are used?

When installing multiple ground rods, it's important to maintain adequate spacing to ensure effective grounding and to reduce resistance to earth. The recommended distance between individual ground rods is generally about 6 feet. This distance allows for optimum performance by ensuring that each rod can function independently and does not interfere with the grounding effectiveness of its neighbors.

By spacing the rods 6 feet apart, you are maximizing soil contact and minimizing the potential issues that can arise from interference, such as capacitance effects. This spacing guideline is often specified in the National Electrical Code (NEC) and aligns with best practices in grounding systems. Proper installation of ground rods is crucial for safety and the overall effectiveness of the electrical system, particularly in reducing the risk of equipment damage and ensuring personnel safety.

Other distances, if practiced, may not provide the necessary benefits and could lead to higher ground resistance or less effective dissipation of electrical faults into the earth. Therefore, following the 6-foot guideline is the most beneficial for achieving a robust grounding system.