Detection of series arcing in low-voltage electrical installations

• Published in: European transactions on electrical power Vol. 19; no. 3; pp. 423 - 432
• Main Authors: Hadziefendic, Nedzad, Kostic, Miomir, Radakovic, Zoran
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.04.2009; Wiley
• Subjects: algorithm; Applied sciences; Connection and protection apparatus; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Power networks and lines; prototype of protective device; residential premises; series arcing; Users connections and in door installation; Electric arc; Prototype; Arcing fault; residential premises; Measurement sensor; Protective device; Electrical installation; Connection; series arcing; Algorithm; Damage prevention; Low voltage; Spectrum analysis; prototype of protective device; Selector switch; Damaging
• ISSN: 1430-144X; 1546-3109
• DOI: 10.1002/etep.229

Series arcing, which can occur at any point of a line or neutral conductor between the switchboard and a load (mechanically damaged conductor, clamps in the switchboard or in the equipment, connections in outlets, receptacles, and switches), is the most frequent electrical cause of fire. This paper presents an original and simple algorithm for the detection of series arcing, based on permanent spectral analysis of the circuit current signal. A prototype of a simple and cheap detector of series arcing has also been developed. The target group for the application of the protective device are residential premises, the most numerous and most critical buildings in which series arcing occurs. In such buildings a range of potential loads is limited, which enables the application of the presented simple algorithm. Its applicability is confirmed through an extensive set of tests. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.