The Electric Transformer On The Pole

We lived near a Protestant church, the old New England style with the tall steeple. Folks around us said it would protect from lightning, but the “cone of protection” only goes so far; after that, the strokes look for something else. A tree works just fine, maybe a chimney, possibly an electric wire on a pole (but not a tv antenna, generally).

We had a pole outside our house with a transformer on it, one of those sturdy cans that, on occasion, will blow up with a mighty blast and a wondrous flash of light making you think Jesus has come again right there on your street.

The transformer, thus described, is heavily grounded and makes a wonderful target for Mr. Lightning Bolt. We should all have one of these outside our residence, as they will protect us from Things That Go *Bang* In The Night (or day). I say, let the transformer take the blow; it’s outer covering is made just for that purpose.

There’s one just outside my apartment; actually, I think there are three on the pole. They are just begging to be hit during a storm and I am likewise quite willing to have them take the bullet for us. They can handle it; I can’t.

The alternative is to have some tall, well-grounded trees around the yard. No pines, or such with very shallow roots. Good, sturdy stock that digs in and spreads its roots far and deep. When a storm comes along, you might have to replace the tree, but it’s safer and happier than replacing your house.