Hello from Iowa in the US - EN31!
As a personal opinion and preference and based on a long period of time
of radio experimentation, NEVER have ANY antenna without some type of a
DC path to ground at ALL times!
Static drain resistors are a must, unless the whole antenna is at earth
potential as in the case of a VHF J-pole or such. Spark gaps are good.
Neon lamps are good. Grounding switches are good. Etc...
Remember, if the lightning bolt can jump a mile or three through the
atmosphere, a few inches, or a number of feet, ot even most insulation
will be effectively a non impediment to the strike.
If there is a direct hit - then that is apt to be that!
I have worked at many broadcast stations, AM, FM, and TV and have been
near the tower when it/they have been struck. They are "built to take
it." Usually I have felt very safe there. But such massive structures
and extensive ground arrays are not likely to be found in the
amateur/experimenter sector!
The incident of old Ben Franklin and his flying a kite in an electrical
storm illustrates many scientific principles, to be sure.
One other and usually overlooked principle is that of blind luck!!!
73,
Doc.
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