Systems and methods for detection of electrical arcs and electrical component failure in power distribution systems

Abstract

Systems and methods for early detection of electrical arcs or electrical component failures in enclosed modules are provided. A system for detecting electrical component failures or electrical arcs includes: an enclosed module including electrical components; a light sensor in the enclosed module detecting light emitted within the enclosed module; and a control circuit operatively coupled to the light sensor, the control circuit triggering a predetermined action upon detection of light in excess of a predetermined light threshold level or detection of predetermined light activity by the light sensor. The predetermined action may include triggering an alert and/or a switch addressing the detection of a possible electrical discharge in the enclosed module.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.