OK, now I saw this pic on SSP...
http://img10.exs.cx/img10/4333/3818empireverticalsunsetb.jpg

And I wondered, what happens to skyscrapers when they are struck by lightning? Do they lose power? Where does the electricity go?

So now I'm asking the pros! :)

Sorry if I sound like an idiot, but I would really like to know! :cheers: Thankx!

On top most buildings which are higher than their surrounding buildings is a lightning conductor installed. This is just a metal pin (or more) on the highest point of the building, which is not directly connected to other parts of the construction/building. Through a series of metal staves this pin is connected to the earth. When lightning strikes the building the electrical charge follows the way with the least resistance which is through the staves. Once it reaches earth the electrical charge dissapears, since earth is neutral.

^forgot to mention..

The lighting rod at the top has a special insulated wire going through the building, which is how the electricity goes into the ground. Same with broadcasting towers, and other tall man made objects.

^Well: "Through a series of metal staves this pin is connected to the earth."

Wire or staves, both are possible. :)

^Well: "Through a series of metal staves this pin is connected to the earth."

Wire or staves, both are possible. :)

Yes, but you didn't mention the wire that goes through the actual building, that carries the electricity into the metal staves and then into the earth.

Oh well ok, you're right. But it can also be outside the building:

http://www.morsum-magnificat.be/artikels/images/Aarding_Mechelen_Web.jpghttp://www.morsum-magnificat.be/artikels/images/Aarding_Mechelen_2_Web.jpg
http://www.knmi.nl/voorl/nader/afb22.gif
http://www.vebo-electroadvies.be/Fotos/RA_Hoe_gevaarlijk_behalve_W.jpg
http://www.vebo-electroadvies.be/images/Bliksemafl_principe_Web.jpg

Some city's also had lightning rods in the middle of the city. Minnepolis, MN had one, until the sckyscrapers were taller than it, and the CN tower attracts most of the lightning in downtown Toronto, Canada.

Hey thanks guys! That answers my question very well! Thanks again! :)

That's cool.

LOL look at this bolt striking Sydney... mmmmm the power :colgate:

awesome pic by Miliux...
http://home.exetel.com.au/miliux/scraperimage/ThunderousLightning.jpg

You can see that the bolt 'overflowed' the whole Optus Tower which is like 50m long. The red flashing light blew up and enver flashed again until they had to get it replaced 2 weeks later.

Had to post this pic, Q1 on the Gold Coast, Australia getting hit by a lightning strike about 2 weeks ago.
http://www.fitforpublicconsumption.com/Q1LightningStrike.jpg