There is a short video available (saw in a search of lightning arrestor
systems) that shows the Empire State Bldg being struck several times, and
not once does the lightning "visibly" hit, follow, or otherwise act
impressed with the elaborate grounding system on the building. Taken as a
whole though, it must be effective, because the strikes do no apparent
damage, and they obviously get to the ground somehow.

JP

"Mark Keith" wrote
The last class I had at work on electrical safety was pro
lightening rods AND ground systems. (as was the one for skywarn from
the NWS)

I agree there, if he is talking about the traditional pointy lightning
rod used to protect other gear or buildings. I'm of the opinion strikes
can never be totally avoided, and the brush things are a waste of time.
I've heard of many reports of them being struck. Sometimes spraying hot
metal around and causing a fire hazard. And you still should have a good
ground even with those. To me, the only sure thing is expecting the
strike to happen, and safely controlling it's path to ground when it
finally does. So I'm firmly with polyphaser on that one. MK