Lightning conductor for ships William Snow Harris

naval adoption of harris conductors

harris continued extensive campaign publicise extent of problem of lightning damage. presented report listing damage caused british naval vessels during period 1793 1838, including lightning causing 62 deaths , 114 injuries. 2 study committees gave favourable recommendations system, full implementation continued blocked opposition of first sea lord until change of government led him being replaced new first sea lord late in 1841. in june 1842 royal navy @ last adopted harris conductors. imperial russian navy had adopted harris s invention, , in 1845 tsar presented him valuable ring , vase, in acknowledgment of services.

harris continued record effects of lightning on ships of royal navy, , published details of research. in 1853 report in nautical magazine proudly stated between 1830 , 1846 none of ships protected harris conductors had suffered casualties lightning, , had not been struck lightning extent unprotected ships had been. taking comparable period, @ least 45 unprotected ships had been terribly damaged lightning. reflected on boldness of leading conductors down through ship past crowded areas , combustible materials, , prejudices scheme had overcome. noted measure founded on sound principles of science, , had been backed eminent scientists including sir humphry davy. recalling earlier opposition harris s proposals, concluded feelings of satisfaction approaching exultation @ complete success has crowned exertions .