Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!seismo!uwvax!umnd-cs!umn-cs!dayton!ems!minnow!lee 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.