Overview of the evidence regarding the invalidity of Eriksson's Model/Collection Volume Method

Unlike other marginal and invalid theories that usually quickly fade away, Eriksson's Model/Collection Volume Method (“CVM”) continues to dog the scientific community because the vendors of ESE (Early Streamer Emission) lightning rods have been using it as an alternative justification for their claims that have previously been discredited. The matter is especially serious, first because ESE devices pose a hazard to life and property, and second because the magnitude of the potential damage became huge when the CVM was introduced in an IEEE standard during December 2012. To help in mitigating the potential damage to public safety and public interest, this paper provides a summary of the evidence regarding invalidity of the CVM. This summary covers both the theoretical aspects and field observations. A companion paper discusses the problem regarding the standards-making process of the IEEE which allowed a design method that is both hazardous and technically invalid to be sanctioned by an organization that is presumed to be a prestigious learned society.