Fault Indicators.
Faulted-circuit indicators for medium-voltage distribution — overhead line-mounted, underground and padmount, and test-point mounted, with reset and communication options matched to the feeder's load profile and protection scheme.
- Voltage class
- 5–35kV
- Manufacturers
- 1
- Reset methods
- 4
Manufacturers.
How fault indicators are specified.
A fault indicator is specified by mounting, trip threshold, reset method, and communication. IEEE 495 is the governing test guide, and trip and reset behavior are matched to the feeder's load profile and protection scheme to avoid false indication.
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IEEE 495
IEEE Guide for Testing Faulted Circuit Indicators — definitions, service conditions, test procedures, and test conditions for FCIs applied on power distribution systems.
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Mounting
Overhead line-mounted on the conductor, underground on cable in padmount enclosures and vaults, or mounted on the capacitive test point of a 200 A IEEE 386 elbow — see Elbow Connectors.
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Trip threshold
The fault-current level that operates the indicator. Fixed-trip units are sized to the feeder; variable-trip designs adapt to load current and add inrush restraint against false tripping.
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Reset method
Manual reset, time-delay reset, current-restore reset that clears when load current returns, and voltage-restore reset that clears when the circuit is re-energized.
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Communication
From a local visual target display read at the line or enclosure, through communication options that report fault events remotely into SCADA and distribution automation systems.
Mounting types.
Overhead line-mounted
Clamped directly onto the overhead conductor. A high-visibility target display flags the faulted section so crews patrol the feeder from the ground instead of sectionalizing the circuit.
Underground & padmount
Mounted on cable inside padmount enclosures, vaults, and switching cabinets — built for confined, non-line-of-sight locations where the indication is read at the enclosure.
Test-point mounted
Mounted on the capacitive test point of an IEEE 386 elbow. Test-point reset designs use the capacitively coupled voltage at the test point and reset automatically when the circuit is re-energized.
FAQ.
What is a fault indicator?
A fault indicator — a faulted-circuit indicator, or FCI — is a device on a medium-voltage distribution circuit that detects the passage of fault current and visibly flags the faulted section.
By marking where the fault current passed, it lets crews locate a fault directly instead of patrolling or sectionalizing the entire circuit, shortening outage restoration time.
What is the difference between overhead and underground fault indicators?
Overhead fault indicators clamp onto the conductor and are read from the ground by a visible target display.
Underground and padmount indicators mount on cable inside enclosures, vaults, and switching cabinets — designed for confined, non-line-of-sight installations. A third style mounts on the capacitive test point of a 200 A IEEE 386 elbow.
What reset methods do fault indicators use?
Four reset methods are common: manual reset, time-delay reset, current-restore reset that clears when load current returns, and voltage-restore reset that clears when the circuit is re-energized.
The reset method is chosen to match the feeder's protection scheme — an indicator that clears on restored load or voltage needs no truck roll to reset.
Can fault indicators report to SCADA?
Yes. Fault indicators are available with a local visual display only, or with communication options that report fault events remotely to a SCADA or distribution automation system.
Which manufacturers does Hawk carry for fault indicators?
Hawk carries Cooper Power Series fault indicators — Eaton's medium-voltage power delivery brand.
Does Hawk publish fault indicator pricing or lead times?
No. Fault indicators are priced per project.
Send the mounting type, system voltage, trip threshold or variable-trip preference, reset method, and any communication requirement through Contact — pricing and availability are confirmed once those are defined.
Sourcing fault indicators?
Send the mounting type, system voltage, trip threshold or variable-trip preference, reset method, and any communication requirement — Hawk MV Supply will fill in the rest.
Faulted-circuit indicators for medium-voltage distribution.
Hawk MV Supply sources faulted-circuit indicators for medium-voltage distribution in the 5kV through 35kV class — overhead line-mounted, underground and padmount, and test-point mounted. A fault indicator detects the passage of fault current and visibly flags the faulted section of a feeder or cable run, so crews isolate and repair the fault directly instead of patrolling the circuit. IEEE 495 is the governing guide for testing faulted-circuit indicators. An indicator is specified by mounting type, fault-current trip threshold, reset method — manual, time-delay, current-restore, or voltage-restore — and communication option, from local visual display to SCADA-integrated remote reporting; trip and reset behavior are matched to the feeder's load profile and protection scheme, and exact values are confirmed per project.
Fault indicators are used by electric utilities across overhead lines, underground cable systems, and padmounted gear, where they shorten outage restoration time by pinpointing the faulted section of a distribution circuit. Hawk carries Cooper Power Series fault indicators, Eaton's medium-voltage power delivery brand. Brand names and logos are the property of their respective owners; specifications shown are typical industry ranges, with product availability and exact values confirmed at quote.