An electrical dissipator comprising a multiplicity of fine electrically conductive wires having their proximate ends fitted into a hole in an electrically conductive base member and secured therein by crimping to securely grip the ends of the wires. One embodiment of the base member comprises a hollow tube allowing connection over an existing traditional lightning rod. In another embodiment, the base member comprises a solid rod or hollow tube having its proximal end threaded to allow the traditional lightning rod to be unthreaded from its threaded base and replaced. In a third embodiment, the base member comprises an apertured flange for bolting to the structure to be protected from lightning