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Fiber optic arc monitor

  • US 4,940,933 A
  • Filed: 04/13/1989
  • Issued: 07/10/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/13/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for detecting arcing in an enclosed electrical device, the apparatus comprising:

  • a radio-frequency monitor disposed adjacent the electrical device;

    a plurality of individual fiber optic cables arranged in predetermined positions within the electrical device for detecting light incident to said arcing; and

    monitoring means for providing a signal external to the electrical device when radio-frequency signals are detected by the radio-frequency monitor and light is detected by said light sensing means, wherein said monitoring means is further comprised of;

    means for determining the intensity of light detected by each of said fiber optic cables;

    means for converting said detected light into an electrical signal equivalent to the intensity of the light received by each of said fiber optic cables;

    means for comparing said equivalent electrical signals with respect to the position of each of said fiber optic cables; and

    means for indicating the location within the electrical device where the arcing has occurred based upon said comparison.

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