The effect of neutral earthing practices on lightning current dispersion in a low-voltage installation

Computer modeling with the EMTP code has been applied to several configurations and earthing practices in use in various countries to show the effect of any differences in the dispersion (sharing) of a lightning stroke current among the available paths for the earth-seeking lightning current. Simplifying assumptions have been made to some details of the configurations to focus on the main difference -- earthing practices. Identifying such differences provides the necessary perspective on their significance and the strong need to take them into consideration when developing international standards on surge-protective device applications.