A current diverter strip is provided having a dielectric (22) located
above a plurality of conductive segments (24). An insulator (30) is also
provided among said conductive segments (24) and below said dielectric
(22). When RF transparency is required, the conductive segments (24) can
have a maximum dimension that is approximately 1/6th of a wavelength of
the highest operating frequency of an antenna that may be communicating
through the current diverter strip. The dielectric (22) may be colored to
match the color of the structure to which it is implemented. Upon
exposure to a strong electric field, the current diverter strip (20)
forms an ionized channel above the dielectric (22). In various
implementations, the current diverter strip may be radio frequency
transparent, environmentally and chemically resistant, color matched to
its surroundings, and/or can withstand repeated uses.