Lightning ground rods should be ____ feet away from opening grounded telecommunication grounding.

The correct answer is six feet. Lightning ground rods are utilized to provide a direct and low-resistance path for lightning strikes, helping to divert that energy safely into the ground. The six-foot distance from telecommunications ground openings is stipulated to reduce the potential for electromagnetic interference and to provide adequate separation that helps prevent damage to nearby electrical systems and equipment.

Maintaining this distance is important for both safety and functionality. If the grounding systems are too close together, there could be a risk of unwanted ground potential differences if a lightning strike occurs. This could lead to equipment damage or failure in communication systems, which are vulnerable to such interference.

Keeping a minimum of six feet allows for appropriate physical and electrical separation between the lightning protection and the telecommunications grounding, which contributes to the overall safety and reliability of both systems. This practice is crucial in standard grounding and bonding methods, as outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC) and manufacturer guidelines.