What could happen if the grounding of an air terminal is not maintained?

If the grounding of an air terminal is not properly maintained, it can lead to an increased risk of fire. Grounding plays a crucial role in protecting structures from lightning strikes. An air terminal, commonly known as a lightning rod, is designed to provide a safe pathway for lightning to travel to the ground. When the grounding system is ineffective or compromised, the electrical energy from a lightning strike could discharge improperly. This can result in arcing, overheating, or ignition of flammable materials nearby, ultimately leading to a fire.

Maintaining proper grounding ensures that electrical charges are safely redirected into the earth, minimizing the risk of fire and structural damage due to uncontrolled electrical energy. Therefore, the importance of maintaining grounding systems directly correlates with fire safety and overall structural integrity.