10 Facts about Lightning Rods

Post On: January 21, 2017
By: Agustina

Facts about Lightning Rods inform us with the metal strip or metal rod installed at the top of a high-rise building or structure. In United Kingdom, this object is called lightning conductor. In United States and Australia, it is called a lightning rod. It can be found mounted at the top of a tree, ship or even a building. The main function is to protect the building or structure from the lightning strike. The metal strip is connected to a wire to the ground.

Facts about Lightning Rods 1: the lightning strike

When a lightning strike occurs, the structure or building will be protected because it will hit the rod. It will pass the wire before hitting the ground. The strike will not pass the structure.

Lightning Rod Facts

Lightning Rod Facts

Facts about Lightning Rods 2: other names of lightning rods

Lighting rod is also called in different names such as the strike termination device, air terminal or even finial.

Check Also: 10 Facts about Light and Dark

Facts about Lightning Rods 3: the connection

The lightning rod will be able to function as a protection device for the structure of building if it is connected to ground or earth.



Facts about Lightning Rods 4: the forms of lightning rod

There are various forms of lightning rods. It can be in rounded, solid, hollow, bristle brush-like, flat stripe, or even pointed one.

Lightning Rod

Lightning Rod

Facts about Lightning Rods 5: the materials

Even though it comes in various forms, all of them are always made of conductive materials like aluminum or even copper. The most common materials for creating the lighting protection devices are copper and alloys.

Facts about Lightning Rods 6: the components of lightning rods

The lighting rod features a system, which consists of ground electrodes, bonding conductors, and air terminals.

Lightning Rods

Lightning Rods

Facts about Lightning Rods 7: the fire hazard

The fire hazard is minimized when a lightning rod is mounted at the top of the building. The heating effect will not pose the structure.

Facts about Lightning Rods 8: the trees

When trees are hit by the lightning strikes, they will be shattered. The object tends to explode if the lightning is traveled on the materials, which contain water.

See Also: 10 Facts about Light and Sound Waves

Facts about Lightning Rods 9: the currents

The lightning can strike rapidly. That is why there is no guarantee for the 100 percent of safety from the event of lightning strike. The current may reach 150,000 amps.

Lightning Rods Facts

Lightning Rods Facts

Facts about Lightning Rods 10: a wooden barn

A wooden barn is one of the vulnerable buildings to lightning. The lightning current may produce heat, which burns the wooden barn and its content.

Do you have any comment on facts about lightning rod?