Does Flag Pole = Lightning Rod

[BackRoad]

There's been a few recent threads on flagpoles, and one on a lightning hit taking out a well pump...

Has anyone with a flagpole ever noticed that it becomes a lightning rod (actually hit by lightning) during an electrical storm?

I'm considering putting one in, but location is dependent on whether it is a high percentage target.

 

[LittleBill21]

I have a very large one, never been hit, and I have multiple surges I would notice.

 

[oldnslo]

Will there be any trees of similar height in close proximity? They may help redirect a potential lightning strike but good possibility would still have detrimental effect on electrical equipment.

 

[zzvyb6]

No, and there are good reasons for it.
"While flagpoles are often the tallest objects on a property, they don't necessarily attract lightning more than other tall structures. Height, shape, and isolation are the primary factors determining where lightning strikes, according to Park Insurance."

What saves the day is the top of the pole with a LARGE ball there. The larger the ball, the larger the radius, and this reduces the electric field potential. Use a spike and its more likely (very small radius).

BTW: I have 8 old farm windmills all around the property. Before they went up, my house was struck 3 times by lightning. The last time, I was out on the deck trying to show my dog that a thunderstorm was nothing to fear. Just a HUGE sizzle, hit the chimney, down the roof and out the gutters in both directions.
Since the very first windmill tower was put up, there has not been a single strike anywhere on my acreage in the last 22 years. This is probably due to a charge potential that now emanates from the ground and goes UP a tower and on to the clouds, maybe not even striking an arc. Just a bleeder.

 

[rScotty]

I'm reminded of Mark Twain's wonderful story about the lightning rod salesman.

 

[JeepHead]

I have a really large flag pole in front of my house and it's never been struck since I have lived there. But there are some very large oak trees nearby too which I would imagine would get hit before the flag pole would.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

to expand the conversation, what about a weathervane? My neighbors, who have become good friends, asked if I wanted their large horse weathervane. Horse is about 3'x18". They are parting out personal items before they die, and this is a prized possession that I would like to install on my small barn to honor them. There is a larger/taller tree next to barn.

There was another barn and house on property that are both gone now, Both have been hit by lightning multiple times, thankfully our home never has been.

 

[DarkBlack]

To the title “Does flag pole = lightning rod “. If it’s tall and grounded.. yes.
Remember though, lightning rods are installed to dissipate charges before a charge column develops, and reduce the chance of a full strike. They’re not to attract a strike, which is a common misconception