Modelling and validation of arc-fault currents under resistive and inductive loads

Abstract

Over half of all electrical fires in installations are caused by arcing due to poorly connected equipment or wiring system failures. Therefore, it is essential to detect arcs and interrupt them using a suitable protective device. This paper provides a modelling simulation and experimental approach to obtain arc voltage and current. The parameters for the theoretical model were turned based on the experimental results. A realistic case study was done to obtain the arc current under parallel and series arcs. As seen from the results, a parallel arc creates a current much higher than the load current, whereas a series arc current is often lower than the load current. Even though a parallel arc current may be detected by an overcurrent device, as it is often intermittent, it may not sustain to be captured by existing protection devices. Therefore, both parallel and series arc detection and interruption demand a reliable protection device.