Which of the following components of a lightning protection system is defined as a ground terminal?

A ground terminal in a lightning protection system plays a crucial role in directing the lightning current safely into the ground. Ground rods serve as the primary component for this function. Typically made of materials like copper or copper-clad steel, these rods are driven into the earth to establish a low-resistance path for electrical energy generated by a lightning strike. Their effective grounding minimizes the risk of ground potential rise, which ensures that the lightning current dissipates into the earth and reduces the likelihood of damage to structures and risk to life.

The other components in a lightning protection system have different functions. Air terminals, commonly known as lightning rods, are installed at the highest points of a structure to intercept lightning strikes. Downleads are the conductive pathways that connect the air terminals to the ground terminals, directing the flow of lightning current downwards. Bonding conductors ensure that all metal parts of a structure are electrically connected to the grounding system, minimizing the risk of electrical discharges between different metal components.