Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 July 1886 — A Cheap Lightning Bod. [ARTICLE]

A Cheap Lightning Bod.

I have a number of buildings that have been protected for seVen years from lightning, and at the expense of 75 cents. Galvanized barb-wire is a very good conductor of electricity, and, on account of the numerous points, especially adapted to the absorption of electricity wherever it is stretched. Double the wire and twist into a cable, which will make it four-ply, or four strands. Put one end in the well, cistern, or moist earth, and carry the other up over your building and along the gables, passing over the chimney or highest points of the building. Fasten to the wood-work with common fence staples. The electricity will not leave as good a conductor as galvanized wire to follow dry lumber. Thus you have the best lightning rod that can be made for less than $1 all told. The editor of the New England Farmer, commenting on this, says the plan seems sound and worthy of imitation, except in one point-more pains should be taken in “grounding” the wire.—Cor. Farm, Stock, and Home.