DIGITAL PitOTECTIOtt OF tiiCiH IMPEDfittCE FAULTS Ott DISTRIBUTIOtt SYSTEMS

Abstract

For many years, protection engmeers and researchers have looked for solutions to this long-standing problem known as High Impedance Faults (HIFs). High impedance faults (HIFs) on distribution systems create unique challenges for the protection engineer. A high impedance ground fault results when a primary conductor makes unwanted electrical contact with a road surface, sidewalk, sod, tree limb,. or with some other surface, or. object which restricts the flow of fault current to . . . . a level. below that reliably detectable by conventional overcurrent devices or fuses..

. • Some of the factors affecting the number of HIFs that occur are voltage level, type of construction, and age of the circuit.