Analysis of Tracking Phenomena of Attachment Plug and Discussion about Detection Timing of Tracking

Abstract

Tracking of an attachment plug of power supply cord is one of the main causes of fire accidents originating from electric equipment. Some anti-tracking attachment plugs and circuit breakers with a function of tracking detection are commercially available, but the number of fire accidents does not decrease. In this paper, as a preliminary stage to establish a more reliable fire prevention system from tracking of attachment plugs, development of tracking is evaluated based on results of surface observation, leakage current, temperature and resistance. It is suggested that phenomena during tracking inception and fire ignition of attachment plugs could be separated into four stages. The timing of tracking detection is also discussed.