A series arc fault location algorithm based on an impedance method for a domestic AC system

This article describes a fault location method, developed within our laboratory, which uses the physical parameters of an electrical line to estimate the series arc fault distance in an experimental short indoor power line. The method estimates currents at several hypothetical fault points on the line, using recorded data at both ends of the indoor power line, by looking for a current difference minimization. The test bench used for our purpose is composed of a 49 meter indoor power line used in domestic networks (220V-50Hz) and a 47 ohm power resistor load. An arc fault (carbonized path) can be inserted at many different points (40 are available) across the line.