Propagation of PLC Signals through Circuit Breakers

PLC signal propagation is affected by all the elements present in a single-phase power-line network, generating attenuation, frequency selectivity on the channel and mode conversion between differential and common modes. It is therefore necessary to characterize all the elements in the network to gain understanding about the processes which lead to PLC signal propagation degradation. In this paper, an analysis of the transfer characteristics of several circuit breakers is performed. Their attenuation to differential mode and common mode is measured, as well as their mode conversion from differential mode to common mode, and conversely. Finally, generic conclusions are drawn from the measurements performed.