The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-03-03

The advantages afforded by lightning rod
appear to be summed up in the fact that if it
DO in good condition it tends, by means Of its
point, TO furnish an outlet for any charge that
may collect at the particular parts Of the ground
in contact with its root. In the case Of build
ing, if the surface Of the ground around it has
good collective qualities and constitute one coll
lector, doubtless. IL the root pierce il anywhere
10 would tap the whole Of it, aud thus the rod
would help greatly % defend the building from
explosion. The usual practice, however, is TO
lead tho root Of a rod directly away from the
walls. principally in order the better 10 obtain
moisture 10 therefore follows that the rod
taps considerable extent Of ground which
has nothing 20 DO with the protection Of the
building. The sources Of failure inherent in
rods after their construction are as follows: a.
The stalk being Of insufficient sectional area.
. Bad Joints along the length Of the stalk or
between the stalk aud the root, or deficient con-
uection between tie stalk and the metals Of
the building. 49, Alterations made in the
arrangement Of the metals Of q building after
the rod has been erected. a. Blunt points.
o. The root or earth-cOnnection possessing too
great a resistance to the electric current.
il seems 10 be q statement i'm accordance with
the facts that nothing IN nature can be- struck by
lightning without having first caused lightning
10 strike il. Ii the true function Of lightning
rods DO 10 prevent explosions, then uuquestiOu-
ably in those cases where rods have been struck
as well as where damage attended the explo-
sion, they were clear instances Of failure. II
the rods had no share in causing the explosions
why we're they struck. There seems to be
something more than an inference that light
ming rods may become a source Of danger. IL
is conceded by those best informed that they
must be constantly watched and frequently
tested by the use of proper electrical apparatus,
in order 10 maintain their efficiency. Unless
kept in perfect order, lightning rods arc a posi-
tive source O.! danger and 10 satisfactorily de-
tcrmiuc their efficiency requires the expert
knowledge 0l au electrician. Such require
meut would become serious o stacc ia cOun-
try places remote from localities where the
services Of an expert could DO obtained, 10 say
nothing Of hccXponsC Cor such labor.
IL Is urged hy the advocates OF lightning rods
that during the 80 years that have elapsed
since they were iuvCujcd. tie vast majority OF
buildings 10 which they have been affixed have
not been harmed by lightning. u may be
asked. however, would these buildings ever
have lCcn injured IL the rods had not been
present? How can we know that these build
iurs did not receive their immunity in spite Of
their rods, especially IN view Of tho fact that
Thousands Of buildings are apparently pro-
tectel without the use If rods atal?
In the case Of ships, lightning rods have been
extremely scIYiccablc. Iron ships require no
protection, as they are apparently never struck
by tnuudcTboiis.
Wooden ships must be protected by the use
Of lightning rods, and this becomes a matter
Of less difficulty where the rigging is con.
structcd Of wi.c rope. There appears 10 DO no
case recorded where a vessel properly protected
by lightning rods, especially when wire rigging
was used, has sustained damage from thunder
bolts.
In the protection Of buildings II Is very i'm.
portaut that the ground Immediately about
aud entirely around them should be brought
into satisfactory connection with the lightning
rod. To accomplish this IN some eases will re-
quirc the laying underground Of an electric tan
or series Of wrought-iron plates Say, four feet
long six inches wide, aud oue-fourth inch
| thick connected together aud Joined 10 the
root Ol the lightning rod.
When inside Of houses during thunder storms
people should observe tho following rules:
Keep all openings securely closed occupy the
middle Of rooms much as possible; avoid the
vicinity Of metals, such as water.pipes, gas
pipes bell.wircs, iron shutters, speaking-.ubes,
telephones and telegraph instruments; keep
away from fire places. An underground cellar
or vault is usually a very secure place.
In the open air avoid trees hedges, fences,
walls, aud all similar shelters. Ii no houses
are near 30 not attempt 10 obtain shelter any
where. Choose the ground that appears 10 DO
naturally the least exposed aud driest and that
Is not close 10 water OF any kind. You may sit
or rccline there covered by your umbrella.
Avoid wooden sheds and outbuidings In-
side of any masonry building is a good place to
seek. DonOt carry more metal about your per.
son than is absolutely necessary. LabOTers in
the fields should leave their tools aud seek
shelter in masonry buildings or upon the
ground, as previously described, but not too
near each other when several are together.
LII. D