The portion of a grounding electrode conductor connected to a rod or pipe must be at least what size?

The minimum size for a grounding electrode conductor connected to a rod or pipe is defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC). According to NEC guidelines, a grounding electrode conductor that connects to a rod or pipe must be at least 6 AWG copper. This requirement ensures sufficient conductivity and mechanical strength to safely carry any fault current that may occur, thereby minimizing the risk of electric shock and maintaining system effectiveness in grounding.

Using a conductor that meets or exceeds this size helps ensure reliable grounding and enhances the overall safety of the electrical system. Conductors smaller than this may not provide adequate performance or may fail under fault conditions, leading to potential hazards.