This letter proposes an equivalent circuit model for tracking phenomena in power plugs. Tracking-related fires and contact point heating are serious safety concerns. To enable early detection using current and voltage measurements, understanding the progression mechanism of tracking phenomena is essential. Experiments simulating tracking fires were conducted, and the proposed circuit reproduces key waveforms of arc discharge and insulation change, accounting for dry-band formation and carbon track growth. Results showed that the model can reproduce the main features of tracking phenomena and may be useful for future studies on early detection of tracking-related fires.
Endo et al. (Sat,) studied this question.