JosephKK wrote:

...
Get yourself a local person knowledgeable in the field.

Here are my humble thoughts upon this all ... let me warn you, there has
been no extensive testing done, and I live in the central valley of
California--lightening is as rare as diamonds here ...

However, I have run as heavy as #8 wire, fearing protection ...

After much thought, I now have #12, I am sure it will vaporize in a
direct strike (if it ever happens in my lifetime), but those vaporized
particles and molecules will provide a path to ground which the
lightening will continue to follow to complete discharge ... after
which, will need replacing ...

But then, I might have missed something; what are your thoughts?

Warm regards,
JS