Lightning Rod

electricity · safety · invention

Catches the lightning. A lightning rod is a metal stick mounted high on a roof that attracts lightning strikes. When lightning hits it instead of the building, the electricity follows the safest path to the ground.

Safe pathway to ground. A thick metal wire or cable connects the lightning rod down the outside of the building all the way to metal plates buried deep in the soil. This gives electricity a quick, safe route away from people and flammable materials inside.

Protects from fire. Without a lightning rod, a lightning strike could travel through a building's walls, catching wood and other materials on fire. The rod stops this dangerous path by giving the electricity a better option.

Called strike termination. Scientists and engineers call lightning rods 'strike termination devices' because they stop lightning strikes from damaging what they protect. They've been used for hundreds of years to keep buildings, people, and important structures safe.

Made from metal. Lightning rods are built from excellent conductors like copper or aluminum because these metals let electricity flow through them easily and safely without getting too hot.