POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF OPERATING A POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM INCLUDING ARC FLASH DETECTION

An arc flash relay system is described for use in a power distribution system including an arc flash sensor, a first circuit protection device, and a second circuit protection device. The arc flash relay system includes a first input configured to receive a detection signal from the arc flash sensor, a second input configured to receive a blocking signal from the first circuit protection device, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine that an arc flash has occurred based, at least in part, on the detection signal. The controller activates the second circuit protection device in response to the determination that an arc flash has occurred when the controller is not receiving the blocking signal, and delays activation of the second circuit protection device in response to the determination that an arc flash has occurred when the controller is receiving the blocking signal.