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Abstract

A system for detecting arcing faults in an electrical distribution network having a line conductor carrying an electrical signal between a power source and a load, the system being capable of detecting series arcs, line-to-neutral arcs and line-to-ground arcs. The system includes a sensor coupled to the line conductor for monitoring the electrical signal and generating a sensor signal representing the electrical signal. The system generates an arc-indicative signal in response to the sensor signal having characteristics indicative of an arcing fault. The system can include a testing system in which a test wire is coupled to the sensor simultaneously with the line conductor and a test signal is periodically produced on the test line. The sensor simultaneously monitors the test signal and the electrical signal and produces a sensor signal representing both the test signal and the electrical signal when the test signal is present on the test line. The arcing fault detection system generates an arc-indicative signal in response to the sensor signal associated with either the test line or line conductor having characteristics indicative of an arcing fault. A diagnostic test integrator evaluates the status conditions of the test signal and the arc-indicative signal and generates a trip signal to trigger the interruption of the electrical signal in response to certain status conditions of the test signal and the arc-indicative signal.

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