In lightning protection, what is the primary purpose of grounding?

The primary purpose of grounding in lightning protection is to redirect lightning strikes safely into the ground. This is crucial because when lightning strikes a structure, it can carry an immense amount of electrical energy that poses a significant risk of fire, electrical damage, or injury to individuals. Grounding systems are designed to provide a low-resistance path for this electrical energy to travel away from the structure and dissipate safely into the Earth.

By having a proper grounding system in place, the electrical energy from a lightning strike is channeled into the ground rather than allowing it to travel through the building’s systems or structures, which could result in catastrophic failures or hazards. This safety measure is essential in protecting both the building and its occupants from the potentially devastating effects of a lightning strike.