Quote:
Originally Posted by KC911
When I was a youngin (60-70s), it was common to see houses with lightning rods (one of Ben Franklins inventions) installed, and of course, grounded TV antennas on chimneys. I can't remember the last time I've seen either. We know what happened to TV antennas, but why did lightning rods disappear?
Scary stuff...
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Electrical and communication codes have evolved to the point that a single source isn't always best. In an ideal world every single metallic or otherwise potential should be bonded to common known grounding electrode conductors by as many methods as possible.
For instance: Ufer ground (the rebar in your foundation), piping systems, if conductive, and multiple ground rods at every structure with potential. To carry the thought to the extreme, yet not ignored, any metal window frame in a wood or stucco house should have a #8 ground wires and jumpers all going to the common ground usually located near the electrical service panel.
And it wouldn't hurt to have a bonded weather vane up on the highest point. Or a mast if you don't mind the look.
Why do trees get hit a lot? Well, they protrude from the landscape taller than most objects in a rural or semi-rural area and most have an ideal distribution of potential, namely the well expanded branch and root system. But it isn't the roots so much that carry the actual current, although moisture, sap and surface wetness all contribute It all starts in the ionized air surrounding a tree.
Worst case scenario: plant a large tree next to the house.