What is the purpose of a lightning rod?

A lightning rod (US, AUS) or lightning conductor is a metal rod mounted on a structure and intended to protect the structure from a lightning strike. read more

The purpose of lightning rods is often misunderstood. Many people believe that lightning rods "attract" lightning. It is better stated to say that lightning rods provide a low-resistance path to ground that can be used to conduct the enormous electrical currents when lightning strikes occur. read more

A lightning rod, also known as a lightning conductor, is a building safety device designed for the sole purpose of stopping lightning from hitting a building. You don’t need me to tell you that lightning is powerful stuff. read more