Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!seismo!columbia!rutgers!topaz.rutgers.edu!ron From: ron@topaz.rutgers.edu (Ron Natalie) Newsgroups: sci.electronics Subject: Re: Lightning Rod Problem Message-ID: <13253@topaz.rutgers.edu> Date: Fri, 10-Jul-87 10:45:44 EDT Article-I.D.: topaz.13253 Posted: Fri Jul 10 10:45:44 1987 Date-Received: Mon, 13-Jul-87 01:22:56 EDT References: <204600003@prism> <616@neoucom.UUCP> <455@sol.ARPA> <618@neoucom.UUCP> <495@sol.ARPA> Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J. Lines: 9 If the purpose of a lightning rod is to take hits of lightning (which it isn't but let's just assume it is at the present), then even though a point is better for causing the bolt to form, doesn't make it ideal for the end of the rod. If you've ever seen equipment that is designed to draw sparks, you will notice that they use round ends on the electrodes. This is to provide more surface area exposed so that they will not wear out as fast. You're nice pointy end would probably be gone after the first stroke. -Ron