This section is from the book "Manual Of Useful Information", by J. C Thomas. Also available from Amazon: Manual of useful Information.
Copper is the best material for conductors. When circumstances are not such as to promote corrosion iron may be used, but of larger dimensions. Its conductivity is about one-fifth that of copper.
Copper lightning conductors should be of the following dimensions:
Rods ½" diameter, tubes 5/8 diameter, 1/8" thick, or bands 1½" wide, 2/3" thick.
Iron lightning conductors should be either solid rods Vf diameter, or bands 2" wide, 3/8" thick.
Lightning conductors afford protection over a circle whose radius equals their height from the ground; formerly considered twice.
 
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