Lightning rods and lightning arresters both protect against lightning, but serve distinct roles. A lightning rod defends against direct lightning strikes—installing at buildings’highest points (e.g., roofs, tower tops), it attracts lightning current and guides it to the ground, safeguarding building structures.
A lightning arrester, by contrast, targets lightning overvoltages (transient high voltages). Mounted at electrical equipment inlets (e.g., distribution boxes, transformers), it conducts excess current when voltage is abnormal and stays insulated normally, protecting internal electrical devices. Together, they form a complete lightning protection system.
Comparison Dimension | Lightning Rod | Lightning Arrester |
Protected Object | Direct lightning strikes (lightning directly hitting buildings) | Lightning overvoltages (transient high voltages) |
Protection Goal | Ensure the safety of building structures | Protect internal electrical equipment |
Working Principle | Attract lightning current via its tip and conduct it to the ground | Conduct and discharge current when voltage is abnormal, and remain insulated when voltage is normal |
Typical Installation Location | Highest points of buildings (roofs, tower tops) | Incoming terminals of electrical equipment (distribution boxes, transformers) |
Core Feature | Defend against visible direct strike damage | Intercept invisible voltage fluctuations |
