Why are lightning conductors installed on tall buildings, and how do they function to protect the structure from a lightning strike?

6 views 1 helpful Updated Jul 27, 2026
Appears in Class 8th
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Answer

Lightning conductors are installed on tall buildings to provide a safe path for lightning to travel to the ground, thus protecting the building from direct damage. They work by having a sharp, pointed end at the top of the building, which helps to subtly discharge the cloud (reducing the chance of a strike) or, if a strike occurs, attract it and channel the massive electrical current safely through a thick metal strip directly into the earth via a grounding plate.

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