Nanosecond Max Current of Residual-Current Circuit Breaker

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential use of the Protective Earth (PE) wire in a residential electrical system as a discharge path for an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) in the context of protecting against nuclear EMP (NEMP). Participants explore the implications of this approach, particularly regarding the residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB) and its capacity to handle high current discharges.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the PE wire can effectively serve as an EMP discharge path, given that it must pass through the RCCB, which may be damaged by high current discharges.
  • One participant asserts that EMP effects can damage electronics directly, regardless of whether they are plugged in, citing personal experience with lightning damage to electronics.
  • Another participant emphasizes the differences between lightning and EMP, suggesting that EMP can occur in proximity to lightning strikes and has a broader range in the case of nuclear explosions.
  • A participant expresses frustration over perceived censorship regarding discussions on EMP protection, implying that certain topics may be sensitive or restricted.
  • The thread concludes with a comment indicating that the original poster (OP) does not seem engaged with the responses provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the nature of EMP and its effects compared to lightning. There is no consensus on the effectiveness of using the PE wire for EMP discharge or the implications for RCCB functionality.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference technical concepts such as the maximum current capacity of RCCBs and the nature of EMPs, but there are unresolved assumptions about the specifics of EMP protection and the operational limits of electrical components in such scenarios.

consuli
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<<Moderator note: Political statement removed.>>

To protect against a nuclear EMP (NEMP) usually a big metal box is used, which is electrically connected to earth, to discharge the electrical pulse.

Most houses in europe have a 3-grid electric system, L, Neutral (N) and Protective Earth (PE).

Is it possible to use the PE wire as EMP discharge to ground?

Please keep in mind, that the PE does not go to Earth directly, but has to pass the residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB), which may be damaged by the nano-second long high current discharge.

Conclusively, what is the 50 nano-second maximum current of a residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB), which has a permanent maximum current of 16 Ampere?

Consuli
 
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I don't think any of that matters because EMP reaches your electronics directly, even if it is not plugged into the wall.

My boat was hit by lightning. The EMP destroyed almost all my electronics, even things that were turned off and even a hand-held walkie-talkie radio.
 
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<<Moderator note: off topic comments removed.>>

@ anorlunda
Lightning and EMP are totally different things ...

Consuli
 
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consuli said:
Lightning and EMP are totally different things

No. You need to learn some basic electricity including Maxwell's Equations.

Near (not in) a lightning strike, there is an EMP having a range of a few meters. The EMP from a nuclear explosion is similar but its range is hundreds of km.

You can get started by reading this
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_pulse
 
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If EMP protection is a military secret and following you cannot discuss it, please just say that and do not constantly remove comments.

Thanks
Cosuli
 
The OP does not seem to be interested in the answers to his question.

Thread closed.
 
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