A lightning protection system is an assembly of parts, not a single device: the air terminal, its mast, the down-conductor, the clamps and saddles that fix it, a test joint, and the earth termination. Copper and copper-bonded materials are used for conductivity and corrosion resistance.
The parts
| Part | Role and material |
|---|---|
| Air terminal / finial | Intercepts the strike - copper or copper-bonded |
| Mast | Raises the terminal above the structure |
| Down-conductor | Carries current to earth - copper tape or round |
| Clamps, saddles, insulators | Fix and space the conductor from the wall |
| Test joint | Lets the earth be tested without digging |
| Earth termination | Copper bonded rods and strip, low resistance |
Why material matters
Every part carries the full strike current, so joints must be solid and metals must match to avoid corrosion. Copper and copper-bonded components give the conductivity and life the system needs.
