Signatures and software find high impedance faults

摘要

The detection of high-impedance faults on electrical distribution systems has been one of the most persistent and difficult problems facing the electric utility industry. High-impedance faults result from the unwanted contact of a primary circuit conductor with objects or surfaces that limit the current to levels below the detection thresholds of conventional protection devices. The author describes how recent advances in digital technology have enabled a practical solution for the detection of a high percentage of these previously undetectable faults.