Energy distribution systems and methods for performing earth fault detection in power distribution systems having a communication network

摘要

A method of operating an electrical power distribution system (100) including a plurality of circuit protection devices (106) and an additional circuit protection device (106) communicatively coupled via a communication network is described. The method includes sending an electrical power message through each circuit protection device (106) of the plurality of circuit protection devices (106) to the communication network, the electrical power communication including an indication of electrical current sensed by the transmitting circuit protection device (106) that formats according to a network communication protocol of the communication network is. The additional circuit protection device (106) receives the electrical power messages from the plurality of circuit protection devices (106) and determines whether there is a ground fault condition in the electrical power distribution system based on the received electrical power messages.