Method and apparatus for detecting ground faults in a shielded heater wire by sensing electrical arcing

A reflector assembly in a satellite system, comprising:

• a reflector having a reflecting surface;
• an electrical heater configured for heating said reflecting surface;
• and
• a ground fault circuit interrupter including an arc detection circuit coupled with said electrical heater, said arc detection circuit configured for detecting electrical arcing associated with said electrical heater.

A method of controlling a heater used to melt ice and snow, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing the heater with a heater wire, a layer of insulation substantially surrounding said heater wire, and a conductive shield substantially surrounding said layer of insulation;
• providing heater control circuitry for selectively controlling operation of the heater;
• sensing one of temperature and moisture associated with an ambient environment with a sensor and providing a signal indicative thereof with said sensor;
• transmitting said sensor signal to said heater control circuitry;
• applying at least one voltage signal to said heater wire;
• detecting at least one said voltage signal in said conductive shield with a ground fault interrupter;
• using said ground fault interrupter to provide a signal indicative of a ground fault condition associated with the heater;
• transmitting said ground fault circuit interrupter signal to said heater control circuitry;
• and
• selectively controlling the operation of the heater with said heater control circuitry, dependent upon at least one of said sensor signal and said ground fault circuit interrupter signal.