Thanks for the information. I don't understand why NEC requires the ground block attached to the ground rod to be buried. That would make inspection a little difficult.
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Most likely to prevent physical damage to the connection i.e. lawn mover, weed wacker.
It would be worthless if the connection was broken. :-)

Although the grounding from a ground rod that I have done I always leave the connection visible but below the ground level. Have yet get a fail on that. :-)
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I'm guessing because the connection to the rod is the 'weakest' electrical point with the most resistance. Having it buried keeps it in contact with the earth.
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