Yes, there are several ways to demonstrate the presence of a ground rod to a home inspector, even if it's buried under concrete and not visible. Here's a breakdown of the methods, from simplest to more complex

1. Document Review (The Easiest & First Step):
Original Electrical Permits and Inspection Reports

The best possible proof is documentation. If you have the original electrical permit for the service installation or a report from the electrical inspection, it should specify the type and quantity of grounding electrodes required. A successful inspection sticker from when the house was built or the service was upgraded is very strong evidence.

Homeowner's Records

Check for any records from previous electrical work. If the electrical service was upgraded or replaced, there should be documentation.

2. Visual Inspection of the Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) Inside the Electrical Panel



Identify the GEC

Open the electrical panel (safely -

TURN OFF THE MAIN BREAKER FIRST! If you are not comfortable doing this, DO NOT attempt it and hire a qualified electrician.). Locate the thick bare copper wire or insulated green wire coming from the neutral bus bar (or the ground bar, if it's a separate one bonded to the neutral). This is the Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC). Trace the GEC

Carefully trace the GEC as far as you can within the panel and its immediate vicinity. Look for where it exits the panel enclosure. Even if you can't see the rod itself, you might be able to see where the wire goes.

Look for Clues

Does it disappear into the concrete slab? This is a strong indication it's directly buried and probably connected to a ground rod beneath the concrete. (This is acceptable in some jurisdictions). Does it go into the wall and then disappear? Try to follow it along the wall. Is there any evidence of it going into the ground? If the house is older and has metallic water pipes, the GEC might be bonded to the water pipe close to where the pipe enters the building. If the water pipe bond is used as a ground supplement (and it often is), there must also be another grounding electrode (like a ground rod).

3. Electrical Testing (Requires Expertise and Proper Equipment)



Ground Resistance Tester (Clamp-On Ground Resistance Tester or Fall-of-Potential Method)

This is the most definitive method, but requires specialized equipment and knowledge. A qualified electrician or electrical inspector would use a ground resistance tester to measure the resistance to ground. A low resistance reading confirms a good grounding electrode system.

Clamp-On Testers

These are easier to use, but often less accurate, and are really only effective for multiple grounding electrode systems where you can isolate the grounding electrode circuit and ensure minimal parallel paths.

Fall-of-Potential Method (3-Point Test)

This is the most accurate method, involving driving two auxiliary ground stakes into the ground at distances from the grounding electrode under test and taking resistance readings. This gives a direct measurement of the effectiveness of the grounding system.

Acceptable Resistance

The NEC (National Electrical Code) generally requires a ground resistance of 25 ohms or less for a single ground rod. If the resistance is higher, a second ground rod is typically required.

Continuity Testing

Using a multimeter, you can perform a continuity test between the ground bus bar in the electrical panel and a known good ground point (like a metal water pipe). While this doesn't prove the existence of a ground rod, it confirms that the grounding system is intact. If you have continuity, then at least something is connected to the grounding system. However, a lack of continuity is a major red flag that something is wrong.

4. Professional Inspection (Recommended)



Hire a Licensed Electrician

The best option is to hire a licensed electrician to perform a thorough inspection of the grounding system. They have the expertise, equipment, and knowledge of local codes to properly assess the situation. They can perform the electrical testing described above. They can also potentially use ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to locate buried objects.

Hire a Qualified Home Inspector with Electrical Expertise

Some home inspectors have advanced electrical training and equipment to perform more in-depth electrical system inspections.

Important Considerations



Safety First

Working with electricity can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable working with electrical panels, do not attempt any of these steps yourself. Hire a qualified electrician.

Local Codes

Grounding requirements vary by location. Local electrical codes might specify the type, size, and placement of grounding electrodes. Check with your local building department.

Older Homes

Older homes may not have been built to current grounding standards. It's possible that the original grounding system was inadequate or has deteriorated over time.

Documentation is Key

Always keep records of any electrical work performed on your home. This will make it easier to verify the grounding system in the future.

Tampering

Do not tamper with any electrical components.

In summary, if the ground rod is truly buried under concrete, you may need to hire a professional to verify its existence and effectiveness using electrical testing equipment. The best approach is to start with any available documentation and then trace the GEC within the electrical panel. If in doubt, always consult a qualified electrician. Flag for review