Electric Power Research Institute of State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Company, Xi'an 710100, China

To evaluate the location performance of single phase to earth fault in distribution systems, the corresponding test technology is investigated. According to an analysis of the drawbacks of the secondary injection test method, it is pointed out that it is not suitable for the evaluation of the location performance of single phase to earth fault. A new approach to test the behavior of single phase to earth fault location featuring a controllable electric arc generating device is put forward. With the new device, the phenomenon of permanent and temporary single phase to earth without arc, with stable arc or intermittent arc through various transitional resistance can be generated in the field. The composition of moveable complete equipment for the single phase to earth fault location test in the field is described. The application of the approach proposed is briefly treated, which shows its feasibility and effectiveness for evaluation of the location performance of single phase to earth fault.