What is the function of a …

The lightning conductor or rod is a metal rod or conductor mounted on top of a building and electrically connected to the ground through a thick wire, to protect the building in the event of lightning. The upper edge of the lightning rod has several pointed structures which points toward different directions in the sky. If lightning strikes the building it will preferentially strike the rod. Thick wires or stripes of copper or aluminium are used to conduct the lightning harmlessly to the ground. As the thick conductor offers a low resistance path for the electricity, the current will flow to the ground through it easily, without affecting the building. The lower edge of the conductor or stripe is connected to a heavy earthing rod, which is properly earthed