ARC FAULT DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for detecting a sustained arc in an electrical system containing polymer-based, semi-conducting components which derive their conductivity from carbon black, carbon nanotubes or other conductive materials. Over a time period, current and voltage data for a cable signal are collected, from which spectral information is extracted. The spectral information has a frequency component and an amplitude component. The cable signal is processed to remove a line frequency signature that includes the electrical system's line current frequency and its harmonics. One or more off-harmonic frequency bands are extracted from the cable signal and analyzed to determine the presence of an arc signature therein. Analysis of the off-harmonic frequency bands can include applying a matched filter to the off-harmonic frequency bands to obtain an indicator signal and determining if the indicator signal exceeds a threshold that indicates the presence of the sustained arc.