Protecting medium voltage inductive coupled device from electrical transients

A method for protecting loads associated with power distribution system inductive signal couplers, the method comprising:

• providing an inductive signal coupler having (a) a magnetic core with an aperture for accommodating a line conductor of a power distribution system to serve as a first winding of said inductive signal coupler, and (b) a second winding that makes a single pass through said aperture, wherein said magnetic core is for coupling a signal having a frequency greater than about 1 MHz, between said first winding and said second winding, and wherein said coupler has a body that includes a conductive plate at an end of said coupler distal from said first winding;
• and
• connecting said conductive plate to an electrical ground so as to route a flashover current directly to the electrical ground.

An arrangement of components, comprising:

• an inductive signal coupler having (a) a magnetic core with an aperture for accommodating a line conductor of a power distribution system to serve as a first winding of said inductive signal coupler, and (b) a second winding that makes a single pass through said aperture, wherein said magnetic core is for coupling a signal having a frequency greater than about 1 MHz, between said first winding and said second winding, and a layer of electrical insulation between said second winding and said magnetic core;
• and
• a connection from said second winding to an electrical ground so that a voltage between said magnetic core and said electrical ground is distributed across said layer of electrical insulation.