Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1909-1915, 1911-05-12
LIGHTNING PROTECTION.

Protection from lightning is sub
ject that recurs with the coming of
each springtime. In the violence of an
atmospheric electric disturbance, ac-
companied by the awe-inspiring flashes
of lightning so common with the thun-
derstornts Of lightning proof shelter.
The probability of an Individual
building being struck by lightning is
really very slight but there Is always
a possibility of such an occurrence and
also that the stroke might be attend
ed with considerable violence; more
than that the building might take fire.
That lightning rods are a real pro-
lection to buildings has been proven
+ 80 many times that their. value is no
longer questioned, but the possibility
of obtaining experimental data is so Ii
united that definite rules for the estab-!
Ishment Of the rods and conductors
have newer been formulated For many
B years lightning rods were looked upon
+ with suspicion in this country, because
their sale for a considerable period
II s.w was used as means to defraud the
n unwary. =
2S5 The formation OF lightning is very
tmperfectly understood but experience
with its vagaries and knowledge OF
n the laws of high tension electric cur
rents has established a fairly good
understanding of the methods of con-
structing lightning conductors for all
ordinary discharges. 1t is very well
known that lightning is the discharge
of a large amount of electricity in a
very, short space of time and that
\ whatever affords it a passage to the
II earth is apt to be badly damaged, un-
less the. vehicle happens to be good
Il conductor of electricity and of suifi-
cient size to transmit the amount Of
electric energy the fash contains !:
rs in which case it passes away dong
no damage at ALL -:.=
, ;{1:H$H AS a storm develops the electrically
charged clouds pass over the earth
y and when the electrical intensity be.
comes great enought to break down the
resistance of the intervening air, the
resulting discharge will pass into the
earth by the most convenient path.
q This is commonly some high object
fof the landscape building, a pole, a
ass tree, or any other object that extends
up from the earth. II the object is
d conductor of electricity and connect.
II ed with the earth, the lightning will
M pass into the ground without the least
damage being done but If 1t is not
good conductor, the havoc thar il
wrought fl an instant is sometimes ap:
palIing. 81 s.
Buildings with metallic roofs that
are properly connected with the earth
ARE far better protection from light:
& ming than could be given by rods.
building that are completely covered
with sheet metal and well connec:sd
aavith the earth are practically light.
ming proof. Covered In this: manner
Sbuild ings have been know to be re.
Epeatedly struck BY lightning without
1.-THE least damage. The fsheetiron
IA grainery. 50 common ID the west
Eswinen well connected with the earth
may be considered lightning proof
THE ground ectfons mentioned 4
Above may ybeg made DC metallic rods
that extend well into the earth and se-
nurely fastened to the Natalie cover
4 sN|ng of the bui aings
I'll conside rims tl1e form of ghtning
nductors It II well to keep IL al ID
ssEla iact that u metal covered build
EsIas ven connected with the earth Is
practIcalIy lightning proof and chat Y q