Is a metal sculpture on an open home deck a lightning hazard?

Question

My wife has place a metal sculpture on an open deck outside of our bedroom. Is it a lightning hazard or is it protected by the house's lightning rod?

Answer 1

Just make sure it is grounded. Fasten a thick wire to its underside, then attach this to a metal rod driven deeply into the ground.

Answer 2

I would think that it depends on how close the sculpture is to the house and if it is the tallest item in the area. If it's close to the house, any lighting would most likely hit the ligtning rod before hitting the sculpture. If it's further from the house but there are trees around, it may be ok as the lightning would hit the trees first. It also may depend on the type of metal it is, as some are more conductive than others, which may lead them to be more susceptible to lightning.

I would say it's fine, though. If it was made to be outside, it shouldn't be a lightning hazard.

Answer 3

Hard to say. How far is it from the lightening rod? How high is it? If you are really worried about it, place a plastic or marble base under it and attach a ground wire to a good ground stake. That way the electric spark will pass harmlessly to ground. To avoid the unsightliness of the cable run it through a hole directly under the sculpture to the ground.
Vaya con DIOS

Answer 4

Anything tall and metal outside is a lightening hazard. Yes, lightening would most likely strike the rod, but why risk it? Unless it is a short sculpture, I would move it away from the house.

Answer 5

Just to be safe . . . run a grounding cable from the bottom of the sculpture to a 3' stake in the ground, below. Lightning can be fickle: who knows where/when/how it may hit.

But if it were to ever strike outside your bedroom window, just hope your wife will think it was the result of your incredible love making . . .

Answer 6

It shouldnt be an issue unless you are standing next to it and touching it in a lightning storm. The lightning will strike the metal closest to it in most cases. Even it it were to strike it, the deck (if it is made of wood) will help to ground it since it is not a electrical conductor.

Answer 7

Draw an imaginary line (cone) at 30 degrees from the rod to earth. Items enclosedin that triangle should be protected

Answer 8

I would think it is a lightning hazard unless you have it grounded.

Have you ever seen lightning hit one of those things? I have, it is amazing how it will light up!

Answer 9

I am an electrician, and it depends on how well it is grounded. The least resistance path is the most likely hit. Mounting on a rubber mat may help, but if water is running over it, no. It makes me uneasy.