![]() ![]() This possibility arises from the strength of the electric field generated by the storm clouds. Again, the goal is to provide a low-resistance path to ground in an area that has the possibility to receive a strike. ![]() While it is not a given that the rod will always conduct the lightning discharged in the immediate area, it does have a better possibility than the structure. If the area finds itself in a strong electric field, the tall rod can begin sending up positive streamers in an attempt to dissipate the electric field. This rod should be taller than the structure. If the structure that you are attempting to protect is out in an open, flat area, you often create a lightning protection system that uses a very tall lightning rod. Regardless of whether or not a lightning-rod system is present, the strike will still occur. This may sound a little picky, but it's not if you consider that the lightning rods only become relevant when a strike occurs or immediately after a strike occurs. If the strike occurs near the lightning-rod system, the system will have a very low-resistance path and can then receive a "jump," diverting the strike current to ground before it can do any more damage.Īs you can see, the purpose of the lightning rod is not to attract lightning - it merely provides a safe option for the lightning strike to choose. The lightning can strike and then "seek" a path of least resistance by jumping around to nearby objects that provide a better path to ground. This "jumping" is associated with the electrical potential of the strike target with respect to the ground's potential. This is required only for some antennas- ones which require current flow to ground to complete the antenna circuit. See the TIS Page on Lightning Protection. Lightning can " jump around" when it strikes. The requirements for a ground for lightning protection are much more stringent than for a safety ground as a lot of energy must be safely dissipated. The lightning-rod system is an excellent conductor and thus allows the current to flow to ground without causing any heat damage. If the strike contacts a material that is not a good conductor, the material will suffer massive heat damage. The system has the ability to handle the enormous electrical current associated with the strike. Once the lightning hits the air terminal, its current travels down the rod and through the conductor network down to the ground where it is safely dispersed. If lightning strikes, the system attempts to carry the harmful electrical current away from the structure and safely to ground. It is better stated to say that lightning rods provide a low-resistance path to ground that can be used to conduct the enormous electrical currents when lightning strikes occur. Many people believe that lightning rods "attract" lightning. The purpose of lightning rods is often misunderstood. The wire is connected to a conductive grid buried in the ground nearby. It connects to a huge piece of copper or aluminum wire that's also an inch or so in diameter. The rod might be an inch (2 centimeters) in diameter. A lightning rod is very simple - it's a pointed metal rod attached to the roof of a building. Lightning rods were originally developed by Benjamin Franklin. ![]()
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