4.2 Down-conductor systems

The main function of down-conductor systems is to conduct the lightning current safely and in a controlled manner to the earthing system after it has been captured by the air-termination systems. In doing so, they play a central role in the protective effect of the overall system and thus have a significant influence on the effectiveness, safety and normative compliance of the lightning protection measure.
A lightning protection system without effective down-conductor systems is incomplete and potentially dangerous. Down conductors:

• Dissipate lightning current to prevent thermal and mechanical damage to the building.
• Prevent flashovers to adjacent conductive parts through controlled conductivity.
• Reduce electromagnetic effects caused by the flow of current.
• Enable current distribution, especially in complex building structures.