Patent ID: 6633824
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: G01R,H02H

Abstract:
An arc detection circuit for detecting an arcing fault in a DC electrical system having a circuit protection system, the arc detection circuit comprising:a means for monitoring the DC electrical system; a means for generating an oscillator frequency which cycles between a low frequency and a high frequency, with the means for generating coupled to the means for monitoring; a means for eliminating background and spurious noise coupled to the means for monitoring and a reference voltage terminal; a means for monitoring time of the arcing fault based on a signal from the means for eliminating; a means for compensating for arcing drop outs based on signal from the means for monitoring time; a means for generating a further signal indicative of the arc fault if a predetermined time period is exceeded, based on the signal from the means for compensating; and, a means for generating an arc signal to operate the circuit protection system, based on the further signal from the means for generating a further signal.