Fluorescent optical fiber sensor for arcing and flame monitoring in electrical distribution boards

A sensor for electrical distribution boards using fluorescent optical fiber is proposed. A red spectrum emission fluorescent plastic optical fiber was tested in different illumination conditions and despite of the high attenuation per length it proved a linear operation. Taking in consideration this characteristic the fluorescent fiber can be distributed in the electrical distribution boards where a real-time monitoring can be achieved without getting in direct connection with the fault electrical problems that may appear.