[TowerTalk] lightning and insulated elements..

[Peter Chadwick]

At one time, lightning arrestors with radio active tips were used, the idea being that the extra ionisation would attract the
lightning bolt to the arrestor rather than teh building inteneded to be protected. Whether the efficacy or otherwise was ever
proved is another matter.
The overhead HV lines in the UK (132, 275 and 400kV) all have a grounded top conductor. Apparently, they don't get struck
as often as you would expect if a high grounded conductor is more likely to be hit. Which leads me to think that there may 
be something in this discharging idea.
73
Peter G3RZP