The Eiffel Tower is protected from lightning using a system of lightning rods installed at its summit, which are connected via cables to the ground to safely dissipate electrical charges.
Understanding the Eiffel Tower's Lightning Protection
Gustave Eiffel, the tower's designer, anticipated the need for lightning protection from the outset of its construction. He implemented a robust system designed to capture lightning strikes and conduct the electrical current away from the structure and safely into the earth.
The Protection System Components
The core of the Eiffel Tower's lightning protection system involves several key components working together:
- Lightning Rods: As referenced, Gustave Eiffel installed 4 lightning rods at the top, described like "copper brooms directed to the sky." These rods are positioned at the highest point to act as the primary strike point for lightning.
- Insulated Cables: The reference states that these lightning conductors are connected to insulated cables. These cables are designed to carry the high voltage current safely down the structure without damaging it or harming people within.
- Grounding System: The cables go down to the ground to ensure the dispersion of electricity. This grounding system allows the immense electrical energy from a lightning strike to spread out safely into the earth, preventing dangerous voltage buildup in the tower.
How it Works
When lightning strikes near or on the Eiffel Tower, it is attracted to the highest point – the lightning rods. The rods intercept the strike, and the electrical current is immediately channeled through the connected insulated cables. These cables guide the electricity all the way down the tower's structure to a grounding system embedded deep in the earth, where the energy is safely neutralized. This prevents the lightning from causing fire, structural damage, or electrical hazards within the tower itself.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Lightning Rods | Capture lightning strikes |
| Insulated Cables | Safely conduct electricity down the tower |
| Grounding System | Disperse electrical energy into the ground |
This protection system, designed by Eiffel himself, is a fundamental safety feature that has protected the iconic structure for over a century.
