Lightning Protection System- A system of rods, cables and groundings designed to intercept a strike and divert it safely to ground, avoiding structural damage to buildings, boats, and other vulnerable objects. A lightning protection system consists of metallic rods, heavy-duty cable, and a solid grounding terminal. The cable connects the lightning rods to ground. Lightning rods do not attract lightning, they simply provide a safe path for the lightning current to flow. See also Lightning Protection Systems.