A lightning rod is a metal rod or conductor installed on buildings and structures to protect them from lightning strikes. When lightning strikes, the rod provides a safe path for the electrical discharge to travel to the ground, reducing the risk of fire or damage to the structure. Typically made of copper or aluminum, lightning rods are often placed at the highest points of a building. They are connected to a grounding system, which disperses the electrical energy safely into the earth. This technology is essential for protecting both residential and commercial properties from the dangers of lightning, a natural phenomenon associated with thunderstorms.