02-09-2018, 02:17 PM
According to the internet there is a parameter called the fusing current at which the conductor will melt like a fuse. For 0000 copper wire, which is about as big as your thumb, I found the value of 30,000 amps, so half of lighting strikes would melt it like a fuse. OTOH half of the time such a conductor would actually conduct the lightning bolt and presumably save your house from further damage, at least the physical structure of your house. I can't imagine that any electronics nearby would fare very well. The principle of a transformer is to induce a voltage in one wire by placing it in close proximity to another wire that is carrying a rapidly changing current. Your whole house would be a transformer. The spoon in your hand while sitting at the table on the other side of the house from the lightning rod and conductor would probably give you a shock.
If I understand correctly a lot of the damage to electronics comes from being connected to the grounding system of the house wiring. That grounding system serves a good purpose under normal circumstances but all bets are off if your house gets hit by lightning.
If I understand correctly a lot of the damage to electronics comes from being connected to the grounding system of the house wiring. That grounding system serves a good purpose under normal circumstances but all bets are off if your house gets hit by lightning.