Abstract: An intrinsically safe system in a hazardous atmosphere includes a power supply. The system includes a plurality of load devices. The system includes wiring in communication with the power supply and the load devices that is located in the hazardous atmosphere. The system includes a protector connected to the wiring which provides upstream protection by detecting dropping input terminal voltage and provides downstream protection by limiting output current. A method for providing power in a hazardous atmosphere includes the steps of placing wiring in communication with a power supply and a plurality of load devices to the hazardous atmosphere. There is the step of protecting the wiring with a protector connected to the wiring which provides upstream protection by detecting dropping input terminal voltage and provides downstream protection by limiting output current.

Abstract: A technique to limit energy in inline wiring faults. The technique employs a device which detects the presence of the fault by sensing voltage at the load end of a circuit that is at risk for an inline arcing fault. Upon detecting the drop in voltage at the load end of the feeder circuit the device acts to interrupt the current in the circuit loop feeding the fault. This action reduces the energy delivered to the fault. This technique is of value in any circuit and results in a substantial reduction in fault energy when employed in a DC circuit feeding an inductive load with a freewheeling diode.