What is the primary purpose of air terminals in an LPS?

The primary purpose of air terminals in a Lightning Protection System (LPS) is to distribute electrical energy safely. Air terminals are strategically placed on structures to intercept lightning strikes and guide the electrical energy from the lightning down into the ground. When a lightning strike occurs, the air terminal provides a controlled pathway for the electrical energy, minimizing the risk of damage to the structure it's protecting and ensuring a safe dissipation of the charge.

This function is crucial as it helps prevent fires or structural damage that can result from uncontrolled lightning strikes. While it may seem that air terminals could also attract lightning, their main role is not to attract but to provide a safe route for the inevitable electrical discharge when it occurs. Grounding is important in this process, but the grounding system only works effectively because the air terminal has intercepted the lightning initially. Structural support is a secondary aspect and not a primary function of air terminals in the LPS.