Lightning Striking Again
To the Editor:
In reference to Henry Spies "On
The House," (1/89) I think that the
metal turret should be grounded. Its
position as the tallest thing around
makes it a lightning rod without a
downconductor. Of equal or greater
importance is that the downconductor
be well grounded. My understanding is
that a ground rod driven into dry
earth is not adequate; moist earth is
required.
I am not an expert and became
interested only after a 10-foot-high log
shed surrounded by 30-foot-high trees
was struck and ignited by lightning
while my brother and I were inside.
The fire was small and easily put out.
How did it happen? The trees showed
no damage and were not