Fault Detection in Overhead Transmission Lines with SMS Notification

Abstract

THigh-voltage electricity transmission through overhead lines is a critical component of modern power infrastructure. However, maintenance and fault detection in these systems pose significant safety and operational challenges due to the risk of electric shocks and delays in manual intervention. This paper presents an Arduino-based automated fault detection and access control system designed to improve safety, efficiency, and monitoring in power transmission lines. Upon detecting a fault, the system initiates a lockdown by closing barriers on either side of the affected area and simultaneously sends a secure access password to the authorized maintenance personnel via GSM. Access is granted only upon successful password entry using a keypad interface. Additionally, the system features a real-time traffic signaling mechanism, automatic street lighting control, and an overspeed vehicle detection module using IR sensors,which records vehicle data. This integrated solution offers a reliable, cost-effective, and intelligent approach to fault management and public safety in power transmission environments.

Introduction

This project introduces a safety-oriented, automated fault detection system for overhead transmission lines, aimed at preventing hazards and minimizing response time. It uses an Arduino-based system with a GSM module to send SMS alerts, a keypad-based access control, and features like traffic signal control, street lighting automation, and vehicle speed monitoring.

Key Components and Features:

1. Purpose:

To quickly detect faults in high-voltage overhead lines, notify maintenance personnel in real-time via SMS, and ensure safety through automated access control and surrounding area management.

2. Literature Review Insights:

• Past systems used GSM for alerts or microcontrollers for monitoring, but often lacked:

  • Real-time alerts

  • Access control

  • Traffic/street light automation

• The proposed system improves upon these by integrating safety, automation, and affordability.

3. System Design:

Main Components:

• Arduino Uno (central controller)

• GSM Module (for SMS alerts)

• Keypad (for secure access via password)

• IR Sensors (to detect vehicle speed)

• Traffic Lights & Street Lighting

• Barrier Gates

How It Works:

1. Arduino detects a fault in the transmission line.

2. An SMS with a password is sent to authorized maintenance personnel.

3. Barrier gates close automatically.

4. Personnel enter the password on-site to unlock access.

5. Traffic lights switch to red, and street lights turn on.

6. IR sensors monitor vehicle speed near the site.

4. Unique Innovations:

• Integrated Access Control to prevent unauthorized repairs.

• Real-time SMS Notification with secure passwords.

• Automated Traffic Management near fault zones.

• Street Light Automation for nighttime visibility.

• Vehicle Speed Monitoring for safety enforcement.

• Cost-effective and scalable using Arduino-based architecture.

5. Web Functionality & User Experience:

• Data captured by sensors is processed via Node-RED and stored in MySQL using XAMPP.

• An LSTM model (deep learning) predicts energy trends.

• A web dashboard built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript provides live data and insights.

6. Implementation & Results:

• A modular system was built and tested.

• Fault messages and OTPs are displayed on an LCD.

• System responds in real-time, restricting access and managing area safety.

• Visuals confirm proper detection and SMS-based access control.

Conclusion

This paper presents an Arduino-based automated fault detection and access control system for overhead transmission lines. By integrating fault monitoring with GSM-based SMS notifications, secure password-protected access, traffic signal control, and street lighting automation, the system enhances safety for maintenance personnel and the public. The inclusion of vehicle speed monitoring further improves operational safety around fault sites. The proposed solution is cost-effective, reliable, and easy to implement, making it suitable for improving fault management and reducing downtime in overhead transmission line operations. Future work may focus on expanding sensor capabilities and integrating real-time data analytics for predictive maintenance.

References

[1] A. Mahajan and S. Patel, \"Fault Detection Techniques in Overhead Transmission Lines: A Review,\" International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Research (IJEEER), vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 17–24, Aug. 2018. [2] M. A. Mazidi, S. Naimi, and S. Mazidi, The AVR Microcontroller and Embedded Systems Using Assembly and C. Pearson Education, 2014. [3] P. S. S. Prasad and R. Sravanthi, \"Arduino Based Power Line Fault Detection System,\" International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology (IJERT), vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 452–455, Jun. 2020. [4] S. R. Sridhar and V. R. Ramesh, \"Design and Implementation of Transmission Line Monitoring System Using GSM,\" IEEE Conference on Emerging Devices and Smart Systems (ICEDSS), pp. 180–183, Mar. 2018. [5] Arduino Official Website. [Online]. Available:https://www.arduino.cc/ [6] SIM800 GSM Module Datasheet. [Online]. Available: https://cdn.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Wireless/Cellular/SIM800 Series_AT Command Manual_V1.09.pdf

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 VVSVS Rama Chandram, Avula Sony, Kolloju Rishika Shree, Kyatharamoni Gireesh Chandra. 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.