A particular type of lightning protection employs a sacrificial element, often a strategically positioned conductor, designed to attract and intercept lightning strikes. This primary strike point, if properly installed, diverts the electrical discharge away from the structure it is intended to safeguard. The intention is for this component to bear the brunt of the strike, potentially sustaining damage while mitigating the risk to the main structure.
Such a system offers a cost-effective solution for protecting vulnerable buildings or equipment. Its benefits include simplicity of design and relatively ease of installation. Historically, these systems provided a rudimentary form of protection, particularly in areas where advanced grounding or complex protection methods were impractical or unaffordable. The principle focuses on creating a preferred path for lightning, minimizing collateral damage to the primary asset being defended.
