When multiple rod, pipe, or plate electrodes are installed to reduce resistance, what is the minimum spacing required between electrodes?

The minimum spacing requirement of 6 feet between multiple rod, pipe, or plate electrodes is based on the goal of reducing the resistance to ground effectively. When grounding electrodes are installed, they must be sufficiently spaced to prevent mutual interference in their performance. If electrodes are too close to one another, the resistance to earth will not decrease as expected because they can share the same ground potential, diminishing the benefits of having multiple electrodes.

Spacing them at a minimum of 6 feet allows each electrode to operate independently, as the current generated during a fault condition can disperse more effectively into the surrounding soil. This arrangement improves overall ground system performance by ensuring that the paths for fault current are distinct, thus enhancing safety and reliability of the grounding system.