Fuses are installed in-line by using the GJV type inside clear shrink tube, connected with crimp connectors. These limit the damage when the protection devices conduct the surge to ground. For testing the lightning protection, we use a small electric fence transformer. We use a 110v lamp in series with the AC primary to limit the power. For a building, the rod should be installed as close to the probable entry location of any lightning.
Most buildings have the lightning ground rod installed right under the electrical meter.
The electrical panel ground may also be connected to the cold water pipe. I there is further interest, I can scan the circuits I use, particularly those used with the seismic amplifiers and telemetry. But they will not pass any power other than a 60 hz sine wave. They last almost forever, so finds at surplus stores usually work. But, as I said, their main virtue is that they only output a 60 hz sine wave.