Littelfuse Ground Fault Indicator Improves Safety for Electrical Systems and Workers

The EL3100 is the first phase- and ground-fault-indication device that enables users to monitor the system voltage both locally and remotely. A unique feature is its contact output for alarm communication with a SCADA system or PLC, so maintenance staff can quickly see the location of the fault without checking indicators on individual panels. In addition, the EL3100 Series is safer than other methods of monitoring ungrounded systems because its LED indication module does not bring the system voltage to the door of the enclosure and is and waterproof, providing safety to operators even in wet and outdoor applications.

“Until now, companies could not safely use panel-door-mounted indicators in outdoor applications because they were connected to high voltages. We developed the EL3100 system based on a customer request to meet electrical code requirements for ground fault indication without endangering workers,” says Tony Locker, Manager, Product Management for the protective relay products line for Littelfuse.

The UL Listed EL3100 indication system helps customers meet the National Electric Code (NEC) or Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) requirements that call for ground fault detectors on ungrounded systems. The EL3100 system, which is mounted in the back of the cabinet, has onboard LEDs. An optional remote indication module may be mounted at the panel door. To suit user needs, the LEDs come in two configurations: a single LED that indicates a ground fault and a plate-mounted four-LED panel that indicates a ground fault and voltage status of each phase. A contact output can be used to send an alarm signal. The system is powered directly from the three-phase input lines and requires no external power source.