Spikes

**vowell1055** · 11-16-2012, 01:27 PM

Okay, I've been puzzling over these things for ages and I just can't figure them out. What is the purpose of the spikes that you see on various structures around WDW? They're on Big Thunder on top of the rock formations, at the All-Stars on top of the stars at the bus stops, and all over, but, for the life of me, I can't figure out their purpose. Anyone got a line on these things?

**ohiodisneydad** · 11-16-2012, 02:06 PM

Lightning rods? Maybe something to deter birds from landing on them and leaving waste all over? I've never paid attention to them but that would be my best guesses.

**tizzo** · 11-16-2012, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by ohiodisneydad

Lightning rods?

That's what I've always assumed. We are constantly being reminded that we're in the "lightning capital" of the world (or at least the US - point being, we get a lot of lightning!)

**vowell1055** · 11-17-2012, 09:01 AM

I thought about the lightning rod thing, but I don't think they would have made such a big deal out of Mickey's ear being a lightning rod at the Crossroads of the World if there were lightning rods all over the place. Plus, some of these are pretty close to where a lot of people could or potentially standing. I wouldn't think that you'd want to attract lightning to those spots. I dunno though. I'm willing to admit that I don't have a lot of knowledge about optimum lightning rod placement.

**HauntedGabe** · 11-17-2012, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by tizzo

That's what I've always assumed. We are constantly being reminded that we're in the "lightning capital" of the world (or at least the US - point being, we get a lot of lightning!)

Sure is!

I was on a bus transferring from one park to another when a bolt of lighting hit into one of those mini pine forests ahead. It was beyond loud. As we caught unto the lightening strike there was a big fire in the forest already.
Bus Driver on radio reporting fire.

I tend to believe there are lightening rods everywhere throughout the parks and resorts.

**doconeill** · 11-29-2012, 06:00 AM

You'll find lightening rods on the tops of all the structures, at least those higher than the surrounding trees, usually every so many feet. They are connected to wires (presumably large gauge) to a grounded point.

If you didn't have them, the lightening would strike any available conductive high point nearby - the building frame, trees, etc...and cause damage.

Instead, the lightening is attracted to the rod, because it is higher and more conductive from tip to ground than other available paths (path of least resistance), and is directed more or less safely to the ground.

I still wouldn't want to be near one when it gets struck...

[late to the party since the email notifications are broken and been too busy to check threads]

**Mo Noyz** · 11-29-2012, 10:33 AM

What Doc said. Having grown up in Florida I actually kind of laughed when I read the question. Though not in a mean way. Just that it's common knowledge to folks who live in the second most lightning struck place in the world.

And no, you certainly don't want to be near one when it's struck. Might not be able to hear very well for a while.

BTW, you'll also find them lining things like sports stadiums.