The operating principle of the Saint - Elme® lightning conductor is to create free charges (ionized particles and electrons) in the air surrounding the lightning conductor and to create, within a cloud – ground electric field, a channel of high relative conductivity constituting a preferential path for lightning.

A first device, named "impulse device" stores the electrostatic energy present in the atmosphere at the approach of a stormy cloud and releases the excitation of the ascending discharge at the right time. A second device, named "power device", collects and stores the wind and / or the solar energy in several strong power capacitors. The Saint-Elme lightning conductor is in this way permanently pre-loaded of an important energy which enables him to support the propagation of the ascendant tracer.

Franklin lightning conductors, which are tappered, have a perfectly slender and attractive point. They exist in nickel/chromium-plated copper and stainless steel versions. They have a standard length of 2,4 m and can be extended by the addition of treated steel or stainless steel elevation rods. These systems do not require guying and can be up to 7 or 8 m long. The tip of 2F Franklin lightning conductors features a solid point of marine bronze or stainless steel.

Franklin elevation rods, consisting of 2 m elements, nest into each other, avoiding bolting and water infiltration that can cause premature corrosion. These heavy-duty rods require no guying. They are delivered with conductor connecting clamps (stainless steel).