The result of a lightning strike is a fire that can electrocute anyone who is nearby. Since lightning is a force of nature and is quite unpredictable people cannot tell when it will strike next, so it is vital to put measures that protect both people and buildings. There is a simple device known as a rod or a finial which can guard all sorts of buildings against being destroyed during a storm. To protect structures such as buildings, ships, and bridges, philadelphia lightning rods are installed on top of the structures to prevent any damage
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Besides from straight rods, there are those that are flat, rounded and pointed as well. The finial can either be solid or hollow depends on one's preference, or they can be made from bristles that look like a brush. Whether the rod is hollow or solid, they work by transferring the electrical charges to the ground using a wire fitted to the device.
The lightning rod depends on three elements to transfer the charges to the ground, the metal rod, the wire, and a ground absorber. Using a conductive material, the electricity travels to the ground where it is dispersed thus causing no harm. The ground also referred as the earth is another piece of metal that is directed to the real ground. If the lightning rod works as expected then that means that the building will be protected every time there is a thunderstorm. However, if the homeowners suspect that the building was hit by lightning, they should inspect their house to ensure that the house is in order because a lot of energy was transferred.
Buildings that need more protection should use a system of networked devices and not just a single rod as that will not be enough to prevent damage from occurring. These conductors are then linked to the ground using a direct path that ensures that electricity is sent away from the building quickly.
A lightning rod is something every homeowner should consider investing in as it provides the extra sense of protection. For those homeowners with home insurance should ask their provider if they cover for lightning damages and if not what is the process to doing so. If you know you reside in areas that are more vulnerable to thunderstorm it is a good idea to invest in a lightning rod as that is an investment you will not regret.
It is more unlikely for lightning to hit small buildings, but that does not mean you do not have to invest in a finial. A lightning rod has played a big role in ensuring that people are more comfortable in their homes during a thunderstorm. Read more at pittsburgh home protection.
Read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_rod
