Does a lightning rod protect against electrical surges?

If you mean surges from lightening bolts, maybe. Lightning rods work best when large communities are using them. If used on many high places, the rods dissipate the static charge in the clouds, and lightening is less frequent.

However, if one puts a lighting rod on top of ones house, and it is the highest point in the area, lighting will be attracted, and there are few conductors that can carry 200,000 amps.

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Thank you.
You saved me a lot of money.

because I was thinking about buying one.

haha.

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help save you some money. It's important to have a clear understanding of how lightning rods work before investing in them. While lightning rods can provide some protection against direct lightning strikes, they are primarily designed to provide a path of least resistance for lightning to follow, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the structure they are installed on.

If you live in an area with a high risk of lightning strikes, it's a good idea to implement a comprehensive lightning protection system which includes not only lightning rods but also grounding systems, surge protectors, and other safety measures to protect your home and electrical devices from the damaging effects of electrical surges caused by lightning. I would recommend consulting with a professional lightning protection specialist to assess your specific needs and ensure proper installation.

Remember, safety should always be the top priority, so it's important to make informed decisions when it comes to protecting your property from lightning strikes.