A data sample and transmission module for a power distribution system, the module comprising: a microprocessor comprising an algorithm (104; 204) and configured to sample one or more first signals indicative of a condition of power in the power distribution system; with a phase-lock-loop algorithm resident on said microprocessor, said microprocessor is configured to package said one or more first signals in a first message and to send said first message over a data network; and a network interface configured to place said microprocessor in communication with the data network, the network interface is arranged to place said microprocessor in communication with a central processor so that said microprocessor can send the first message containing said power condition signal to said central processor and can receive a second message and a synchronization pulse from said central processor; said microprocessor configured to sample said one or more first signals based upon said phase-lock-loop algorithm adjusted in part upon a synchronization signal transmitted on said data network to said data sample and transmission module; said microprocessor configured to operate a circuit breaker in the power distribution system in response to a second message and a synchronization pulse from the central processor receivable from the data network; the module further comprising a backup system (96;102;106) configured to operate said circuit breaker based on said one or more first signals independent of said second message; characterized in that the backup-system is configured to operate said circuit breaker independent of said second message comprises a second microprocessor having an algorithm resident thereon, said second microprocessor is configured to receive said power condition signal so that said algorithm can generate an output based on said power condition signal, said output being configured to operate said circuit breaker, further comprising a power supply providing power and a third signal to said microprocessor, said power supply is configured to receive said power from a first source, a second source, or a combination thereof, said third signal being indicative of whether said power supply is receiving said power from said first source, said second source, or said combination, said microprocessor is configured to process said one or more first signals using said algorithm (104;204) when said third signal indicates said power supply is receiving said power only from said second source, said algorithm (104;204) is configured to generate an output based on said one or more first signals, said output being configured to operate said circuit breaker. a microprocessor comprising an algorithm (104; 204) and configured to sample one or more first signals indicative of a condition of power in the power distribution system; with a phase-lock-loop algorithm resident on said microprocessor, said microprocessor is configured to package said one or more first signals in a first message and to send said first message over a data network; and a network interface configured to place said microprocessor in communication with the data network, the network interface is arranged to place said microprocessor in communication with a central processor so that said microprocessor can send the first message containing said power condition signal to said central processor and can receive a second message and a synchronization pulse from said central processor; said microprocessor configured to sample said one or more first signals based upon said phase-lock-loop algorithm adjusted in part upon a synchronization signal transmitted on said data network to said data sample and transmission module; said microprocessor configured to operate a circuit breaker in the power distribution system in response to a second message and a synchronization pulse from the central processor receivable from the data network; the module further comprising a backup system (96;102;106) configured to operate said circuit breaker based on said one or more first signals independent of said second message; characterized in that the backup-system is configured to operate said circuit breaker independent of said second message comprises a second microprocessor having an algorithm resident thereon, said second microprocessor is configured to receive said power condition signal so that said algorithm can generate an output based on said power condition signal, said output being configured to operate said circuit breaker, further comprising a power supply providing power and a third signal to said microprocessor, said power supply is configured to receive said power from a first source, a second source, or a combination thereof, said third signal being indicative of whether said power supply is receiving said power from said first source, said second source, or said combination, said microprocessor is configured to process said one or more first signals using said algorithm (104;204) when said third signal indicates said power supply is receiving said power only from said second source, said algorithm (104;204) is configured to generate an output based on said one or more first signals, said output being configured to operate said circuit breaker.