Grounding rods and lightning protection systems are designed to provide lightning and surge protection in order to prevent destruction and injury. Grounding rods and lightning protection systems can vary from simple copper rods to sophisticated electrolytic rod systems with active soil moisture replenishment. An electrical grounding rod can be driven into the earth to ground an electrical system, thereby providing lightning and surge protection. Lengthening the electrical ground rod or using multiple electrical ground rods spaced several yards apart reduces electrical resistance. A direct strike lighting protection system provides a means by which lightning may enter or leave the earth without passing through and damaging non-conducting parts of a structure. A direct lightning protection system does not prevent lightning from striking. Instead, it provides a way to control the lightning and preventing damage by providing a low resistance path for the discharge of lightning energy. The main purpose of grounding rods and lightning protection equipment is to prevent property damage, equipment damage, and bodily injury from electrical surges and lightning strikes.

