IOT Based Underground Cable Fault Detection

Underground power cables are widely used in modern electrical distribution systems due to improved safety, reliability, and aesthetic advantages. However, locating faults in underground cables remains a difficult and time-consuming task. This paper presents a detailed IoT-based underground cable fault detection system integrated with a web-based monitoring platform. The proposed system continuously monitors voltage and current parameters using sensors, processes real-time data through a microcontroller, and identifies faults such as open circuit, short circuit, and earth faults. Fault information including type and approximate location is transmitted through an IoT communication module to a web interface for remote monitoring. The system significantly reduces downtime, minimizes excavation efforts, lowers maintenance cost, and enhances reliability of power distribution networks. The design is scalable and suitable for integration into smart grid infrastructure.