Patent ID: 8233254
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
1. A method for coordinating arc fault protection in a power system, the method comprising: monitoring concurrently a number of confirmed arc signatures with respect to time in a main feeder line of the power system and in at least one branched feeder line of the power system; tripping a circuit breaker in the branched feeder line if a first predetermined number of confirmed arc signatures occur in the branched feeder line within a first predetermined period of time; and tripping a circuit breaker in the main feeder line if a second predetermined number of confirmed arc signatures greater than the first predetermined plurality of confirmed arc signatures occur in the main feeder line within a second predetermined period of time, wherein the second predetermined period of time is greater than the first predetermined period of time such that an arc in the branched feeder line trips only the circuit breaker in the branched feeder line without tripping the circuit breaker in the main feeder line.