JOURNAL 



OF THE 



WASHINGTON ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 



Vol. V NOVEMBER 19, 1915 No. 19 



ELECTRICITY. — Protection of life and property against light- 

 ning. 0. S. Peters, Bureau of Standards. 



This paper is a report of a survey of statistical data relating 

 to life and property hazards from lightning, and describes existing 

 methods of protection against lightning. The field covered does 

 not include electrical power and signal systems. In the course 

 of preparation of the paper an examination was made of the 

 available literature on the subjects of lightning phenomena and 

 protection against lightning, and of the reports of fire marshals 

 and insurance companies. In addition to this a considerable 

 amount of data was obtained from the reports of the Census 

 Bureau, and manufacturers of lightning rods were asked to sub- 

 mit their opinions, and the results of their experiences, as to 

 how a system of lightning rods should be installed. Appendices 

 are included in tbe complete paper, to be published by the 

 Bureau of Standards, giving rules concerning the installation 

 and maintenance of lightning rods which have in some cases 

 been followed in Germany, England, and the United States, 

 and also rules for first aid treatment in cases of persons injured 

 by lightning. ' 



The chief facts disclosed by the information obtained in the 

 course of the inquiry may be summarized briefly as follows: 



1. The property loss by lightning for the entire United States 

 is approximately eight million dollars per year, of which by far 

 the greater part occurs in rural districts. 



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