Can I use a ground rod as an equipment ground for a detached garage?
I'm thinking of driving a grounding electrode at the garage and connecting the equipment grounding conductors of the branches in the garage to that electrode, which wouldn't be bonded to the neutral.


This doesn't work.

Let's say you have a piece of equipment short the hot wire to the ground. The power tries to get back to the source. When it tries on your circuit it has to go through the ground to get there. Consequently, the breaker will not trip and it will sit there waiting for you or one of your family to get in the circuit. This is what kills people.

So, short answer is, this is a bad idea.

Spend the time and money and do it the right/safe way.

Good luck!