What material should not be used to make driven rods for grounding electrodes?

Driven rods that are used for grounding electrodes must be made of materials that provide excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance. Copper is widely recognized for its high conductivity and resistance to corrosion, making it a preferred choice in many grounding applications. Aluminum also has good conductivity and is lightweight, but it can degrade over time due to galvanic corrosion when connected to dissimilar metals, which makes it a less common choice than copper.

Steel is sometimes used for grounding purposes; however, it typically requires a finish or coating to prevent rust and corrosion. While steel can be a suitable grounding material, rebar specifically is not the right choice for driven rods. Rebar is often treated with coatings to prevent rust, which can impair its ability to function effectively as a grounding electrode. It may not provide the same reliable connection or longevity as rods specifically designed for grounding. Therefore, rebar is not suitable for use in constructing driven rods as grounding electrodes.