Which statement best describes the function of down conductors?

The statement that down conductors provide a path to ground for lightning energy accurately describes their primary function in a lightning protection system. When lightning strikes a structure, the immense energy must be dissipated safely to prevent damage or hazards such as fire or electrocution. Down conductors are specifically designed to conduct this electrical discharge from the point of the strike (typically a lightning rod or air terminal on top of the building) directly to the ground.

This pathway ensures that the energy is redirected away from the building and any occupants or sensitive equipment within, thereby protecting the overall structure and its contents. The effectiveness of down conductors in fulfilling this role is critical in lightning protection designs, as they must be properly sized and installed according to safety standards to handle the high currents that a lightning strike can produce.