A method for conditioning to reduce lightning strike effects is provided herein. The method includes positioning a plurality of tabs on a component. The plurality of tabs are electrically conductive. The component includes at least one of a composite material and a metal material having at least one joint. The method includes positioning the component on a support that is electrically insulated, and connecting a plurality of wires between an initial set of the plurality of tabs and a pulse generator. The pulse generator is configured to generate a plurality of current pulses through the plurality of wires. The plurality of current pulses imitate a plurality of lightning strikes. The method further includes striking the component with the plurality of current pulses from the pulse generator, and reconnecting the plurality of wires to one or more different sets of the plurality of tabs between the plurality of current pulses.