Experimental validation of conventional and nonconventional lightning protection systems

Three types of lightning protection systems are in common use today: conventional systems, charge transfer systems, and systems based on early streamer emission air terminals. There is a wealth of empirical data validating the effectiveness of conventional lightning protection systems installed in accordance with recognized standards. Field studies of charge transfer systems show that they do not prevent lightning strikes as has been claimed. Studies of early streamer emission air terminals show that their performance in the field is similar to that of conventional sharp-pointed air terminals, and they do not have a greatly enhanced zone of protection as has been claimed.