What material is commonly used for manufacturing grounding electrodes in lightning protection systems?

Copper-clad steel is often favored for manufacturing grounding electrodes in lightning protection systems because it combines the benefits of both materials. The steel core provides significant strength and durability, which is essential for the structural integrity of the grounding electrode. Meanwhile, the copper cladding offers excellent conductivity, which is critical for effectively dissipating lightning energy into the ground. This combination helps ensure that the grounding system is both physically robust and electrically efficient, making copper-clad steel a popular choice in lightning protection applications.

While solid copper can also be used for grounding electrodes due to its superior conductivity, it may not provide the same level of physical strength as copper-clad steel. Stainless steel, although strong and resistant to corrosion, does not conduct electricity as effectively as copper materials. Aluminum is lightweight and has decent conductivity but can be susceptible to corrosion in certain environments compared to copper, making it less favorable for long-term reliability in grounding systems.