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Earth leakage trip during lightning

Earth leakage trip during lightning

Earth leakage trip during lightning

(OP)
Is it normal for a domestic 220V 30mA earthleakage unit to trip during a lightning storm? I have experienced problem this on numerous occasions.

RE: Earth leakage trip during lightning

It is only 'normal' if you have an insulation problem somewhere in your system - It sounds like an earth potential rise problem.  Is your area PME or MEN?

RE: Earth leakage trip during lightning

Are you refering to a GFCI device when you say earth leakage unit?<\b>

RE: Earth leakage trip during lightning

The complaint can show up where the LV circuit is served from a Grounded-Wye Primary/Grounded-Wye Secondary distribution transformer.  Steep-rise-time zero-sequence currents are reflected in both sides of the transformer's common metallic hi- and low-side connection.  IIRC, the high- and low-side currents in grounding-electrode conductors may be [not necessarily equally] divided between the two.  

For lightning hits, 30 mA is a relatively low value.  Isolation of the high-side neutral-to-ground connection may cure the problem, but for graded-primary insulation {or singe-bushing transformers,} the cure may be worse than the symptom.  
  

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