Motor relay with integrated arc-flash detection

A method of detecting an electrical fault associated with an electrical motor, the method comprising:

• monitoring a flow of electrical current supplied to a motor with a motor management relay, wherein the flow of electrical current is monitored using current sensors that are integrated within a housing of the motor management relay, and wherein conductors carrying the electrical current pass through apertures in the housing of the motor management relay and through the current sensors to integrated within the housing of the motor management relay;
• detecting an optical event indicative of an arc flash associated with an electrical arc using an optical sensor disposed on the housing of the motor management relay;
• analyzing the optical event using control logic integrated within the housing;
• determining that corrective action is required based on the optical event using the control logic;
• generating a control signal using the control logic in the motor management relay to implement corrective action;
• and
• issuing an instruction using a control port integrated within the housing an associated protective device to implement a protective action based on a determination that the optical event corresponds to an electrical arc event;
• wherein the housing comprises a form factor for installation of the motor management relay in one of a motor control center bucket and an International Electrotechnical Commission drawer.