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Method and apparatus for detecting arcing in alternating current power systems by monitoring high-frequency noise

  • US 5,432,455 A
  • Filed: 09/06/1994
  • Issued: 07/11/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/30/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting the presence of electrical arcing on an AC power line of frequency F and period T=1/F, comprising the following steps:

  • monitoring the line voltage, the line current, or energy radiated from the power line, as a waveform;

    monitoring the waveform for the presence of high-frequency noise, said high-frequency noise being substantially higher in frequency than F;

    monitoring the waveform to detect gaps wherein said high-frequency noise is substantially attenuated;

    measuring the time between successive detected gaps in the high-frequency noise;

    determining that arcing exists if at least a predetermined number of said detected gaps occur at intervals substantially equal to integral multiples of T/2; and

    providing an output signal responsive to said determination that arcing exists.

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