What is an important step to take after installing a grounding rod?

Testing the grounding resistance after installing a grounding rod is crucial because it ensures that the grounding system is functioning correctly and is safe. This step verifies that the connection between the grounding rod and the earth is effective in providing a low-resistance path for electrical faults, thus protecting both equipment and personnel from electrical hazards.

A grounding system with high resistance could fail to adequately dissipate electrical surges, such as those caused by lightning strikes or equipment malfunctions, which could lead to equipment damage or even safety incidents. Therefore, regularly testing the grounding resistance is a vital part of maintenance protocols to ensure compliance with electrical codes and to guarantee that the grounding system will operate effectively when needed.

The other choices either do not enhance safety (painting it could obscure issues and provide a false sense of security) or disconnecting power sources and leaving it untested does not enable proper verification of the system’s operational status.