Well, I can only relate my own anecdotal evidence, as someone who once lived many years in rural Illinois. I have been within 50 yards of lightning bolts striking lightning rods six times in my life. No fun, if you have fillings in your teeth, as there is a LOT of static electricity in the air near a lightning bolt. I have watched neighboring houses and barns receive lightning strikes on their lightning rods at least two dozen times. It seems obvious to me that, yes, lightning rods are very good at ATTRACTING lightning.
However, I have never seen lightning strike any wooden building that didn’t have a lightning rod. I have seen lightning strike trees, but I suspect that trees, because of their roots, are better gounded conductors. So, on the basis of my first-hand research, I would suggest taking your lightning rods down, unless you have a metal-framed or covered building. If you happen to have a metal TV antenna tower, do make sure it’s thoroughly grounded, but there is absolutley no guarantee that the lightning will be completely diverted away from your TV.
Dear Cecil,
The answer about lightning rods was great. I remember hearing that Franklin’s claims were a bit exaggerated…
I’d like to know if anyone is doing any scientific research on lightning protection, and what they’ve found. It seemed to me that the Electric Power Institute was doing research on lightning to prevent lightning from knocking out commercial/utilities electric power systems. Haven’t they found anything that’s of use for homes and buildings?
Just wondering…
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Do lightning rods really work? (24-Aug-2001)
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