Abstract: A lightning conductor having an electrically conductive surface element insulated from an earth rod. The surface element is substantially continuous, but has an aperture defining an air gap. The air gap is located near the top of the earth rod. In atmospheric conditions existing before lightning discharges, arcing occurs between the surface element and the earth rod. This creates plasma about the tip of the earth rod, leading to upward leader formation. A high impedance static drain may be connected between the surface element and the earth rod.