A novel fault locator based on the detection of fault generated high frequency transients

Contemporary methods for fault location on overhead lines and underground cables can be classified into two fundamental types: (i) methods based on the measurement of post-fault line impedance; and (ii) methods based on the measurement of the fault generated travelling wave component. This paper presents the application of these new techniques to fault location on transmission and distribution line/cable systems. The technique utilises the specially designed fault locators to capture the fault generated high frequency voltage or current transient signals from the faulted line/cable. The propagation time of the high frequency components is used to determine the fault position