Is it safe to install a copper finial or copula on your roof without grounding it?

Question

I am wondering if the risk of lightning strikes make it necessary to ground a copper finial like you would a lightning rod.

Answer 1

I haven't checked with the building code, but I'm pretty sure that it should be grounded. If a hot wire came into contact with the roof or it was hit with lightning you would want it grounded.

Answer 2

It would be a good idea to ground it. The reason airplanes can withstand lightning strikes is that all metal parts are interconnected. Without grounding, if lightning were to strike the finial it would have to arc to get to ground. That is why the house would be damaged.