Can lightning conductors be concealed within masonry chimneys?

Concealing lightning conductors within masonry chimneys is permissible as long as proper installation guidelines are followed. The conductors can indeed be hidden inside chimneys or other structural elements of a building, as long as they maintain an adequate path for electrical discharge and ensure safety. Alternatively, these conductors may also be attached to the exterior of a building, providing flexibility in design while ensuring effective lightning protection.

In both scenarios, the key is to ensure that the conductors remain effective in channeling lightning strikes safely away from the building's structure and its occupants. As such, either method—concealment within chimneys or external attachment—meets the safety requirements, as long as proper installation practices are adhered to.