Influence of Perturbations Produced by Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in Arc Fault Detection

Our work focuses on the development of a test procedure and the creation of a database of current signature in presence of electromagnetic interference (EMI). These signals can affect the reliability of detection algorithms producing false tripping; therefore increasing the number of false detections. An experimental test bench allows generating series arc faults for different load configurations (UL 1699 and IEC 62606 standards). EMI disturbances are produced by the EMTEST UCS500 M4 generator.All tests are performed with conventional household appliances (halogen lamp, vacuum cleaner, drill or computer). We rely on the EN 61000-4-4, EN 61000-4-5 and EN 61000-4-11 standards to emulate the main EMI disturbances presented in a home electrical network (lightning-type overcurrent, voltage variations, motor starts, etc.). Spectral analysis of these signals shows that EMI and the series arc spectra are comparable and can disrupt the operation of conventional detection algorithms generating considerable false detections.