GATE 2026 Airstreams Renewables Complete Practice Test

Lightning protection on a tower is provided by a lightning rod mounted at the highest point. This metal rod acts as a preferred strike point and is connected to a down conductor that runs to the tower’s grounding system, giving the lightning a safe, low-impedance path to earth. The purpose is to intercept the strike and direct the energy away from sensitive gear and people, reducing damage. A surge protector handles voltage spikes inside equipment, not the tower itself. A grounding strap bonds components together and provides a ground path, but it’s not the primary device mounted on the top for protection. A squid isn’t a real component used in lightning protection.