Abstract: Underground power cables are widely used in power distribution systems because they are safer and more reliable than overhead lines. However, detecting faults in underground cables is difficult due to limited accessibility and high repair costs.

This project proposes an efficient underground cable fault detection system that can identify faults such as short circuit, open circuit, and earth fault. The system works on the principle of impedance measurement and voltage drop analysis to determine the distance of the fault from the source end using Ohm’s law.

A microcontroller-based circuit continuously monitors the cable parameters. When a fault occurs, the system calculates the fault distance and displays it on a digital display. This helps in quickly locating the fault, reducing downtime, and improving the reliability of the power distribution system

Downloads: | DOI: 10.17148/IJIREEICE.2026.14309