Often, yes. A panel or service upgrade generally requires the grounding to meet current code, and that frequently means installing new ground rods. Grounding is a core safety feature of your electrical system, and older homes commonly have grounding that no longer meets modern requirements. Bringing the grounding up to code is a standard part of doing an upgrade correctly.

Here is what to know about ground rods and grounding during a panel upgrade.

What grounding does

Grounding connects your electrical system to the earth, which helps stabilize voltage and provides a path for certain faults and surges. The grounding electrode system, which includes ground rods and other electrodes, is what makes this connection. It is an essential safety element, and code has specific requirements for it.

Why an upgrade usually updates the grounding

When you upgrade a panel or service, the work must comply with current code, and grounding requirements have evolved over the years. Older homes often have inadequate grounding, sometimes a single old rod, sometimes grounding that no longer meets today’s standards, and sometimes very little at all. As part of the upgrade, the electrician verifies and brings the grounding electrode system up to code, which commonly involves installing new ground rods.

The modern grounding requirement

Under current code, the grounding electrode system typically requires ground rods, and in many cases two rods are used. A single ground rod is only acceptable on its own if it achieves a low enough resistance to earth, which is difficult to verify without testing, so installing two rods a proper distance apart is a common default that reliably meets the requirement.

Beyond ground rods, the grounding electrode system also includes bonding to other electrodes where present, such as a metal underground water pipe, and in newer construction a concrete-encased electrode. The electrician ensures all applicable elements are properly connected.

Grounding and bonding together

A proper upgrade addresses both grounding and bonding. Grounding connects the system to earth, while bonding ties metal parts together to create a safe, low-impedance path for fault current. Both are required by code, and both are part of a correctly done panel or service upgrade. Getting these right is essential for the system to safely clear faults and protect against shock.

Why it matters

You might not think about grounding day to day, but it is one of the most important safety features in your electrical system. Proper grounding and bonding help clear faults, protect against shock, and handle surges. Doing an upgrade without bringing the grounding up to code would leave a critical safety element behind, which is why this work is a standard part of the project.

You often do need new ground rods during a panel upgrade, because the grounding electrode system must meet current code, and older homes frequently have grounding that falls short. Modern requirements commonly involve two ground rods, along with bonding to other electrodes like a water pipe where present. Bringing grounding and bonding up to code is a standard, essential part of a properly done panel or service upgrade.

Stella Electric performs panel upgrades with proper grounding and bonding for homeowners across the Baltimore area and throughout Maryland, with flat-rate pricing and no overtime charges. We bring your grounding up to code as part of the job. Financing is available on qualifying projects.