IoT Based Three Phase Power Failure Monitoring with Alert System

Abstract

The goal of this effort is to use IoT-based smart sensing to monitor and safeguard a three-phase electrical distribution system. Voltage sensors are used to continuously measure the line\'s three-phase voltage, which the Arduino UNO then processes to identify variations like overvoltage. The Arduino controls the relay module to automatically separate the load in order to protect the appliances that are connected to the distribution poles based on these observed conditions. The prototype uses a lamp to show relay response and load behaviour. IoT monitoring and capacitor health monitoring are two applications for the ESP8266. In order to comprehend the state of the reactive compensation section, it examines and evaluates the charging and discharging behaviour of capacitors rather than controlling the capacitor bank. Additionally, real-time information are simultaneously updated to a web dashboard for remote monitoring and shown locally on an OLED display. Alert alerts are created for prompt action if any unusual behaviour or dangerous voltage conditions are found. Reliability is increased, preventive maintenance is supported, distribution failures are decreased, and sophisticated smart grid monitoring with IoT-based real-time visibility and alert systems is made possible.

Introduction

The text discusses a smart IoT- and GSM-based three-phase fault detection and monitoring system designed to improve the reliability, safety, and real-time monitoring of electrical power distribution networks. Three-phase systems are widely used due to their efficiency, but they are vulnerable to faults such as line-to-line (L-L), line-to-ground (L-G), overcurrent, undervoltage, and phase loss, which can damage equipment, disrupt supply, and cause financial losses. Traditional methods—like protective relays, circuit breakers, manual inspection, and GSM-based alerts—are slow, lack real-time data, and cannot perform predictive analysis or remote monitoring.

The proposed system continuously monitors voltage and current through sensors (VTs and CTs) and analyzes the data using an Arduino or microcontroller. When a fault is detected, the system identifies its type and location, isolates the load via relays, and sends real-time updates to a web dashboard through an IoT module (ESP8266), enabling remote monitoring and rapid response. Capacitor banks are also monitored for charging/discharging behavior to detect reactive power issues and enhance system stability.

The system provides real-time local and remote visualization via an OLED display and online dashboard. It automatically differentiates between normal operation, L-L faults, and L-G faults. For L-L faults, the relay immediately disconnects the load to protect equipment, while L-G faults are monitored and communicated to the dashboard for prompt action.

Key benefits include:

• Continuous real-time monitoring of three-phase power lines.

• Rapid detection and classification of L-L and L-G faults.

• Automatic load isolation to prevent equipment damage.

• Remote monitoring and alerts via IoT dashboard.

• Improved reliability, safety, and faster fault response compared to conventional systems.

In summary, the system integrates IoT technology, real-time sensing, and automated control to create a smart, efficient, and responsive fault detection framework for modern power distribution networks.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Dr. Prakash K M, Bhoomika R, Chandana H Manangi, Chinmay B G, Manoj R K. 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.