A lightning protection system is designed to control or force the electrical discharge on a specified path, harmlessly dissipating the current into the ground and minimising the chance of fire or explosion within non-conductive parts of the structure.
The system neither attracts nor repels a lightning strike, but provides a safe path on which the current flows to ground. A system is made up of several components, including air terminals, conductors, bonding plates, connectors and ground devices. System design is dependent on several factors including the design and construction of the building, soil content and location. Modern design incorporates the system into the architectural style of any building and is barely visible and provides protection to life and property. In addition to structural protection, the inclusion of transient over-voltage protectors prevents damage and destruction of electrical appliances and valuable electronics.