Earth fault location in compensated MV network using a hand-held measuring device

Abstract

Various papers and technical literature describe plenty of methods for locating the exact earth fault place in a compensated MV network. However, the usefulness of these methods is very questionable – from the perspective of achieved accuracy, as well as extreme investment demands. Information on practical experience and results from real operation are rarely published at all. Handheld earthfault location finder (device) is an innovative and highly functional alternative to static earth fault locators for overhead MV lines. The device provides a contactless determination of the relative earth fault location in relation to the specific place of measurement. It is possible to get to the fault location very quickly with sequential measurements in suitable positions. This paper describes the function and possibilities of the handheld device, as well as practical experience with locating both the real and experimental earth faults in the MV network.