Generators & wicks?

Question

There must be hundreds of wicks on a 747, so why do they need so many wicks.

If you know the rationale you should star my question because I'll give the first correct answer full marks. (Include a reasonable estimate of the number of generators.)

Answer 1

I'm not sure on this number values we don't memorise that in our training course. But this static dischargers or wicks as we call it maybe has a formula for lightning dissipation per area and one thing more the wings is so critical that lightning bolt must be dissipated or the wings might break in half.

As far as generators 1 per engine and two for APU, unless you mean as the first guy said vortex generators, again so many to count.

Answer 2

So are you asking about vortex generators or static wicks?