[TowerTalk] Lightning... and pointed rods!

[Ron KA4INM Youvan]

Hi:
> >As long as we're on this subject, I notice all the lightning rods on
> >buildings have sharp points upwards...so... does it help to have a
pointed
> >rod at the top of the tower mast? If so, why?

  The pointed rods (hopefully) CAUSE lightning to strike the point,
by starting a leader, the wind can blow the leader into a part of the
building B4 the `stroke' current arrives.
  The multi-pointed* ball or wreath emits a mild corona current
to (hopefully) discharge the potential difference between the ground
and the weather (mass) moving across (above) the ground.  In many
cases this is highly successful.  Preventing strokes.

  IMHO every (not covered) sharp edge (hose bands etc.) on a
tower/antenna invite strokes of lightning.  (the wind can blow
it on to our house)

* = stainless steel wires cut at an angle

         73 (= Best Regards) de: (= this is) Ron ka4inm@qsl.net
            VISIT my HAM WEB SITE at: http://www.qsl.net/ka4inm



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