How is a tall building protected from damage due to lightning?

A lightning conductor is used to protect buildings from being damaged due to lightning. It consists of a long copper rod with sharp points or spikes projecting above the top of the building. The lower end of the rod is connected to a copper plate buried deep into the ground. When a charged cloud passes over the tall building, the spikes of lightning conductor get oppositely charged. This charge passes to the earth through the copper rod. Thus, the lightning spark is prevented and the building is protected from being damaged.