Proposal of a protection method against probable consequences to humans and the environment from short-circuit or abruption of a low-voltage distribution line conductor

• Published in: IET generation, transmission & distribution Vol. 4; no. 7; pp. 793 - 800
• Main Authors: HALEVIDIS, C. D, ANAGNOSTATOS, S. D, POLYKRATI, A. D, KOUFAKIS, E. I, BOURKAS, P. D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Stevenage Institution of Engineering and Technology 01.07.2010; The Institution of Engineering & Technology
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Automation; Circuit breakers; Communication systems; Conductors (devices); Connection and protection apparatus; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Fuses; Human; Miscellaneous; Panels; Power electronics, power supplies; Power networks and lines; Proposals; Transformers and inductors; Fuse; Electrocution; Power circuit; Personal injury; Protective device; Power electronics; Power transformer; Damage prevention; Circuit breaker; Low voltage; Short circuit; Regulation(control); Electrical network; Distribution network
• ISSN: 1751-8687; 1751-8695
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-gtd.2009.0583

The maximum length of a low-voltage distribution line (400 V) is determined by the transformer power, the type and cross-section of the conductors as well as the nominal current of the fuse. By meeting this requirement, the neutralisation condition is fulfilled. A low-voltage distribution network bare conductor being abrupted can cause a deadly electrocution to a person or start up a fire. Relative foresight is needed in altering the regulations, so as to exclude the fore-mentioned consequences to humans and the environment. The protection method comprises a system utilising the global system for mobile communications placed on the last pole of each line, which is activated when a line is cut off and powers down the circuit through an automatic circuit breaker installed upon the low-voltage distribution panel.