[chuckster]

Didn't mean to ignore frank's informative article, however had occassion to witness result of a lightning strike that via gas line to the weak point in the attic (the flex pipe), which split and ignited. The homeowner heard and saw what happened (flame from gas line in attic) and extinguished same. So in this case the structure was not consumed in flames although it could have been if left unchecked.

It's also interesting to note that homes I have toured in the newer sections are all electric. Makes me wonder if someone hasn't seen the risk in the flex lines used for gas runs within the structure. We already know that there was litigation more than a year ago against the flex line manufacturer that was settled by the manufacturer agreeing to pay toward the cost of lightning rod systems for a limited time. The time period incidentally has passed. Personally, even with the lightning arrestor system, I would like more info as to cost for replacing the flex lines in my attic with steel (black) pipe. I never have had a warm fuzzy feeling for the thin walled flex pipe. Any info would be appreciated......Thanks