How does a Lightning Conductor actually work?

Question

How does a Lightning Conductor actually work?

Answer 1

Very simple:

Lightning is attracted the the highest point in an area.  A lightning conductor is usually this point.

When the lightning makes contact this the conductor, it is chanelled down to earth, instead of through buildings which would be damaged by the electricity pulse.

Answer 2

http://www.howstuffworks.com/search.php?...

http://www.howstuffworks.com/search.php?...

How stuff works . com is a good website to see and read how it works.  or really anything how it works.

Answer 3

it 'attracts' the electical charge and takes it down to earth.

Answer 4

I think you mean lightning rod?

The point on the rod attracts and concentrates any charge build up, which is what initiates a lightning strike. So if one does occur it hits the rod instead of the house. The rod is tied to a thick wire to ground, which carries away the lightning's charge to ground.

Answer 5

Lightning tries to find the easiest path to earth (ground)

By providing a copper cable that goes from the top of a building down to earth, the lightning is attracted to take that route rather than through the building. (thus no damage)

Copper is an extremely good conductor of electricity

Answer 6

lightning conductors are made from copper the second best conductor of electricity, silver being the best. the conductor set at the highest point of a building  goes all the way to the ground so directing the lightning charge to the ground where it is of no harm to anyone

Answer 7

ask an electrician