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From: lee@minnow.UUCP (Gene Lee )
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Lightning Rod Problem
Message-ID: <915@minnow.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 10-Jul-87 09:50:29 EDT
Article-I.D.: minnow.915
Posted: Fri Jul 10 09:50:29 1987
Date-Received: Sun, 12-Jul-87 17:01:49 EDT
References: <204600003@prism> <616@neoucom.UUCP> <455@sol.ARPA> <618@neoucom.UUCP> <495@sol.ARPA>
Reply-To: lee@minnow.UUCP (Gene Lee )
Organization: Unisys Corporation - Roseville, MN
Lines: 16

>I should have worded it to mean that the lightning rod preferentially
>takes the damage in the event a bolt hits because the conduction path
>is easier via the rod than the structure itself.
>
  If you stopped to think about what you are saying you'd realize how
ridiculus it sounds.  If a bolt of lightning (MEGA volts at MEGA amps) struck
the lightning rod sitting on a wooden barn or house, you would really be
talking FLAMES.  Even if the wire cable that would be carring the current to
ground was low resistance, at that current there would be a LARGE voltage drop
across the cable.  The power disapated would heat the cable red hot; not 
exactly something you want attached to your wooden structure.

-- 
Gene Lee  UUCP: ...ihnp4!{meccts,dayton,rosevax}!ems!minnow!lee
UNISYS Corporation     ATT:  (612) 635-6334
If not for the courage of the fearless crew, the minnow would be lost.