Arduino-Based Single-Phase AC Current Measurement with Over-Current Protection

Abstract

The present work aims to design and implement an Arduino-based system for single-phase AC current measurement with integrated over-current protection. The system is intended to enhance electrical safety and improve monitoring by using a low-cost, programmable microcontroller. The system utilizes an Arduino microcontroller, interfaced with a current sensor (e.g., ACS712), to measure AC current in real-time. The Arduino processes sensor data, compares it against predefined threshold values, and automatically triggers protective actions such as dis¬connecting the load or activating an alarm in case of over-current conditions. This ensures the protection of electrical equipment, preventing potential hazards such as fires and equipment damage. The solution is cost-effective, flexible, and ensures safe operation for residential and small commercial applications. By integrating real-time current measurement and over-current protection, the system ensures the operational safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability of electrical systems.

Introduction

This project presents an Arduino-based system designed to monitor AC current and provide overcurrent protection for single-phase electrical circuits, commonly used in residential and small commercial settings. Utilizing an ACS712 Hall-effect current sensor, the system measures real-time current and processes the data via an Arduino microcontroller. When the current exceeds a preset threshold, the Arduino activates a solid-state relay to disconnect the load, preventing damage and potential hazards. A 16x2 LCD displays current readings and system status, while a buzzer alerts users to overcurrent conditions. The system includes a reset function to restore normal operation after faults are addressed.

The methodology involves continuous current monitoring, relay control, and audible and visual alerts to ensure safe operation. Testing showed accurate current measurement, reliable detection of overcurrent (above 1A), and effective load disconnection. The system provides an economical, easy-to-implement solution for improving safety and reliability in electrical systems by preventing overcurrent damage.

Conclusion

This paper presents an effective and cost-efficient solution for single-phase AC current measurement and over-current protection using an Arduino-based system. The integration of real-time current monitoring, automated protection mecha¬nisms, and user-friendly interfaces makes the system a viable solution for residential and small commercial applications. The use of widely available and affordable components ensures that the system is both scalable and practical. The proposed design enhances electrical safety by preventing damage from overcurrent conditions, ensuring the reliability and longevity of electrical systems.

References

[1] S. Bhattacharya, P. Sadhukhan, and S. Mukherjee, ”A novel approach to overvoltage and overcurrent protection of simple single-phase two- terminal systems utilizing Arduino Uno,” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 65, no. 4, pp. 412-419, Apr. 2018. [2] M. F. Kotb and M. El-Saadawi, ”Overcurrent protection relay-based Arduino Uno for FREEDM system,” IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 49-58, Jan. 2019. [3] R. Majumder, S. Dolui, and D. Agasti, ”Microcontroller-based overcurrent relay using Hall-effect current sensor,” IEEE Power Electronics Letters, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 112-116, Apr. 2018. [4] B. Sarker, S. Y. Radin, S. H. Zahedee, and T. T. I. Shanto, ”Arduino- based power system protection,” IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 1560-1568, Mar. 2020. [5] R. Z. Khan and A. Muhtadi, ”A GSM module-Arduino-relay based smart cost-effective in-house protection system concerning overvoltage, undervoltage overcurrent fault conditions,” IEEE Access, vol. 7, pp. 43212-43223, Jul. 2019.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Anish Kolge, Swaraj Mane , Saransh Singh, Pranav Phalak, Siddhesh Desai. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.