Yes, the voltage-type ELCBs can certainly throw one a few curves. I just went to quote for a job this morning and saw one of these. I'll be advising the customer to let me replace it with the current-operated (i.e. GFI) type, but at a cost of 70 pounds (about $100) plus 17.5% tax I won't be surprised if he refuses.
Another problem with these devices crops up for radio enthusiasts such as myself. Because the house ground doesn't go directly to the ground rod but via the large inductance of the tripping coil, the house earth wiring can carry quite a lot of high-frequency noise, particularly now that computer equipment with its high leakage filters is so common.
Never mind that warm beer, just send me some of that nice American drink from the banks of the Mississippi..!
