Everything has its limitations, right? Can anyone please help me with this? what are the limitations of a lightning rod? are there any glitches or failures? sometimes, what causes errors in them? please help me...='(
2006-08-12 15:46:02 · 7 answers · asked by bsktbllfreak611 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
The proper diameter of a lightning rod and the wiring that leads to the ground can take on any bolt of lightning known to the human race. It can be built so that it should last 100 years. The limitations is that it costs a bunch of money. The Achilles heel is the conductor wire going to the ground. It is sometimes accidentaly cut during construction and maintenance. If the wind is going to blow something apart it is the connection of the wire to the rod or where it is connected to the ground. It is not too likely and is solved by a simple test just before rainy season by the maintenance crew.
2006-08-12 16:02:42 · answer #1 · answered by eric l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lightning rod is limited primarily by the inconsistency of where lightning strikes. the rod will usually be hit if lightning is in the area, but not always. remember, a lightning rod only offers one way for the electricity to connect to the ground. in a volatile area with much energy flowing nearby, it is possible lightning might not hit the rod.
2006-08-13 02:39:04 · answer #2 · answered by John S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thunderclouds can be severl miles across (5 or more) and lightning can extend 5 or more miles in every direction from the cloud. No way that lightning rods can protect an area that big.
2006-08-13 00:18:40 · answer #3 · answered by skoolboy56 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How deep they are grounded, the thickness and the resistance of the type of metal, how tall it is off the building so it will be more likely to strike it instead of the building, ect. ect...
2006-08-12 22:58:52 · answer #4 · answered by j123 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure that all the connections to the main ground are tight and that the ground is good.
2006-08-12 22:53:43 · answer #5 · answered by Skypilot49 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will not deflect meteors or flying saucers.
2006-08-12 22:57:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lightning rods work very well... do not think they have any limitations...
2006-08-12 22:52:07 · answer #7 · answered by wizard 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋