Patent ID: 7190562
Filing Date: 2007-03-13
Classification: H02H

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting arc faults, comprising the steps of: sensing a signal associated with a power input by an input sense circuit, the sensed signal being indicative of at least one potential arcing event; receiving a representation of the sensed signal by an amplifying circuit; generating a respective pulse corresponding to the at least one potential arcing event by the amplifying circuit; receiving the respective pulses by an accumulating circuit; generating an accumulated signal over a predetermined time period by the accumulating circuit; receiving the accumulated signal and the respective pulses by a processor; generating first data representative of the accumulated signal and second data representative of the respective pulses by the processor; and processing at least one of the first and second data in accordance with at least one algorithm by the processor, thereby determining whether the at least one potential arcing event is indicative of an arc fault or a nuisance condition.