A power distribution system, comprising: a power control device (126, 130) configured to control power to one or more power devices in the power distribution system; and a plurality of transient capture meters, the plurality of transient capture meters being separate from but coupled to the power control device, wherein the power control device comprises: a detection module configured to detect an abnormal condition, the abnormal condition indicative of one or more of: an impending failure of the power control device; and a condition within the power control device indicative of a parameter being outside of a specified limit; and a signal transmit module configured to transmit a capture signal to a first transient capture meter from the plurality of transient capture meters, the first transient capture meter metering transient conditions of a branch of the power distribution system comprising the power control device, wherein the capture signal instructs the first transient capture meter to capture one or more of current and voltage waveforms relevant to a time when the detection module detected the abnormal condition, and wherein the signal transmit module is further configured to transmit the capture signal to additional transient capture meters from the plurality of transient capture meters, said additional transient capture meters being configured to meter the power distribution system at various locations. a power control device (126, 130) configured to control power to one or more power devices in the power distribution system; and a plurality of transient capture meters, the plurality of transient capture meters being separate from but coupled to the power control device, wherein the power control device comprises: a detection module configured to detect an abnormal condition, the abnormal condition indicative of one or more of: an impending failure of the power control device; and a condition within the power control device indicative of a parameter being outside of a specified limit; and a signal transmit module configured to transmit a capture signal to a first transient capture meter from the plurality of transient capture meters, the first transient capture meter metering transient conditions of a branch of the power distribution system comprising the power control device, wherein the capture signal instructs the first transient capture meter to capture one or more of current and voltage waveforms relevant to a time when the detection module detected the abnormal condition, and wherein the signal transmit module is further configured to transmit the capture signal to additional transient capture meters from the plurality of transient capture meters, said additional transient capture meters being configured to meter the power distribution system at various locations. a detection module configured to detect an abnormal condition, the abnormal condition indicative of one or more of: an impending failure of the power control device; and a condition within the power control device indicative of a parameter being outside of a specified limit; and an impending failure of the power control device; and a condition within the power control device indicative of a parameter being outside of a specified limit; and a signal transmit module configured to transmit a capture signal to a first transient capture meter from the plurality of transient capture meters, the first transient capture meter metering transient conditions of a branch of the power distribution system comprising the power control device, wherein the capture signal instructs the first transient capture meter to capture one or more of current and voltage waveforms relevant to a time when the detection module detected the abnormal condition, and wherein the signal transmit module is further configured to transmit the capture signal to additional transient capture meters from the plurality of transient capture meters, said additional transient capture meters being configured to meter the power distribution system at various locations.