In order to explore the influence of single ground wire on the lightning protection construction of 10kV distribution line, this paper uses ATP-EMTP electromagnetic transient software to establish the lightning distribution line simulation model, and obtains the lightning resistance level of two-phase and three-phase flashover of the line under the configuration of single ground wire. Then, the single-phase and phase arc rate of common insulators in 10kV distribution network is calculated to provide reference for lightning protection construction of distribution network. Then the improved lightning tripping rate formula based on the discipline method is used to further calculate the lightning tripping rate. Finally, based on the typical lightning protection design data of distribution network in Guangdong province and comparing with the actual lightning tripping rate in this region, the following two conclusions are obtained: (1) Single ground wire can effectively reduce the lightning tripping rate of 10kV distribution line, especially the reduction of induced lightning tripping rate; (2) In the lightning protection construction of distribution network, only the combination of the single ground wire, the 50% impulse flashover voltage of the insulator and the reduction of the grounding resistance of the tower can achieve a good lightning protection effect.