Development of fault distance locator for underground cable detection

Abstract

This project proposes fault distance locator model for underground power cable using an Arduino uno. The use of underground cables arise a problem of identifying the fault location and the distance of cable fault as it is not open to view as in case of overhead cable. Thus, the underground cable fault distance locator is develop to detect the exact fault location and the distance of underground cable fault from based station in kilometers as the system will detect the faulted cable on underground and will send the information to the control room by using a relay. An underground cable system is a common practice followed in major urban area. The concepts of Ohm’s law are used in this project and are placed underground with short circuit type fault condition. If any fault occurs, the voltage drop will vary depending on the length of fault in cable since the current varies. Tracer method is used to detect faulted by walk through the cable lines. Fault point is traced by the audible signal or electromagnetic signal. These projects are equipped with a set of resistors, power supply, a set of switches, Arduino Uno and LCD. The prototype of an underground cable fault distance locator is designed with the performance of Tracer method.