there is provided a cable which retards lightning . the cable includes at least one internal conductor which may be a power conductor or a signal conductor . a choke conductor is wound about the internal conductor in the shape of a spiral . if lightning strikes near the cable or a device which is attached to the cable , such as an antenna , the choke conductor presents a high impedance to the current caused by lightning and will prevent the lightning current from flowing down the choke conductor , thus entering the internal conductor , thereby preventing damage to the internal conductor and any associated electronic equipment . preferably , a shield is also wound about the internal conductor adjacent to the choke conductor in a direction opposite to the choke conductor , whereby the angle formed by the crossing of the choke conductor and the shield is approximately 90 ° to block the magnetic field component of the lightning discharge . the choke conductor and the shield may be wound about a conduit which houses the cable .