How does the Earth's ability to conduct electricity affect grounding electrodes?

[johnny_b_good]

Hi all,

I was reading an article that talked about grounding electrodes. It noted that for these electrodes to be efficient, it was necessary to put them at least 8 ft into the ground. My question is then: does the Earth act as a conductor below that 8 ft threshold? I looked around and could not find a direct answer. Thanks.

 

[davenn]

what electrodes ?
what are they connected to ?

The ability of the ground to conduct electricity depends on a few things
2 of the important ones are moisture and the presence of mineral salts

I have seen power companies have blocks of salt (NaCl) around the Earth rod at the base of the power pole. This salt will dissolve in
the rain and go into the ground to inprove the "earth"

leaching of minerals from soil will significantly reduce its ability to provide a good earthing point for an Earth Rod <--- proper name for "electrodes" that go into the ground say for lightning protection, building power panel Earth etc

"in a former life" when I was in the communications industry, would would often have to bury huge Earth mat systems to get a very good and low impedance "earth" for our comms equipment

Dave