초록 ▼

A system for testing an arcing fault detection system in an electrical distribution network having a line conductor carrying an electrical signal between a power source and a load, the arcing fault detection system including a sensor coupled to the line conductor for monitoring the electrical signal

A system for testing an arcing fault detection system in an electrical distribution network having a line conductor carrying an electrical signal between a power source and a load, the arcing fault detection system including a sensor coupled to the line conductor for monitoring the electrical signal and generating a sensor signal representing the electrical signal, the arcing fault detection system generating an arc-indicative signal in response to the sensor signal having characteristics indicative of an arcing fault. The testing system couples the sensor to a test line simultaneously with the line conductor and periodically produces a test signal 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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for detecting arcing faults in an electrical distribution system that includes a line conductor connected to a utility power transformer, said system comprising:a current transformer coupled to said line conductor for monitoring the rate of change of electrical

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for detecting arcing faults in an electrical distribution system that includes a line conductor connected to a utility power transformer, said system comprising:a current transformer coupled to said line conductor for monitoring the rate of change of electrical current in the line conductor and producing a signal representing the rate of change,means for generating an arcing-fault-detection signal in response to said rate-of-change signal,a test line coupled to said current transformer in the same manner as said line conductor for subjecting said transformer to a test signal simulating a line current produced by an arcing fault, anda signal generator connected to said test line for producing said test signal.