Back-up overload protection scheme for solid state controller

A power distribution system comprising:

• a first power distribution unit coupled to an electrical power source, the first power distribution unit comprising at least one first solid state power controller configured to control current flow through the first power distribution unit and a controller configured to receive and analyze data related to measurements of downstream current and to interrupt the power within the first power distribution unit when the received current measurements exceed a predetermined threshold;
• a second power distribution unit serially coupled to the first power distribution unit and configured to supply to power to one or more loads, the second power distribution unit comprising at least one second solid state power controller configured to control current flow through the second power distribution unit;
• a current monitoring component configured to measure the current flow to, or within, the second power distribution unit, the current monitoring component configured to transmit current data to the controller within the first power distribution unit for analysis;
• and
• wherein the first power distribution unit has a time-current trip characteristic that is greater than a time-current trip characteristic of the second power distribution unit.