Smart Breakage Detection with Auto-Powercut System for Local Transmission Lines using LoRa

Published Jun 11, 2026
 72 hours to build
 Advanced

Developed a LoRa-based smart electrical fault detection system that identifies wire breakage and pole fall, sends real-time alerts, and enables automatic power isolation for enhanced public safety. ( ELECTROFF SYSTEM )

display image

Components Used

ESP32 development board
Acts as the main controller of the system. It processes data from current, voltage, and tilt sensors, detects faults, manages LoRa communication, controls alerts, and operates the isolation mechanism.
2
HC-12 (SI4463) Wireless Communication Module
Provides long-range wireless communication between the transmitter and receiver units. It is used to transmit fault information such as wire breakage and pole fall alerts in real time, enabling reliable monitoring and remote fault notification.
2
SIM900A / SIM900 GSM Module
The SIM900 GSM Module is used to send real-time SMS alerts to the Electricity Board (EB) office and maintenance personnel whenever wire breakage, pole fall, or other fault conditions are detected. It enables remote fault notification and ensures a faster maintenance response to improve electrical safety and reduce downtime.
1
ACS712 Current Sensor
Monitors current flow in the distribution line and helps identify wire breakage by detecting abnormal current conditions.
2
Voltage Sensor
Measures line voltage and assists in monitoring the electrical status of the distribution network.
2
sw-520d tilt sensor
Detects pole inclination and pole fall conditions, allowing early identification of structural failures.
2
16x2 LCD Display
A small alphanumeric display that can show 16 characters per line across 2 lines, used to visually present system status, sensor readings, and alerts in real time.Displays fault status, warning messages, and system information for local monitoring and maintenance purposes.
1
Buzzer, Piezo
Provides an audible alarm whenever a fault condition is detected in the distribution line.
1
Red LED
Acts as a visual warning indicator to alert operators about fault conditions and system emergencies.
1
18650 Li-ion Battery
3.7V, 2200–3000mAh Powers the embedded monitoring system,Provides backup power to ensure uninterrupted operation of the monitoring system during power failures.
1
BMS Protection Module
Protects the battery from overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits while ensuring safe battery operation.
1
Servo Motor
Used as a prototype isolation mechanism to automatically disconnect the affected line section during fault conditions.
1
Push Button Switch
Used to manually reset the system and verify fault clearance before restoring normal operation.
1
Battery Charger Module
Charges the backup battery and maintains continuous power availability for the monitoring system.
1
Jumping Wires
Used for electrical interconnections between sensors, communication modules, microcontroller, and other components in the prototype system.
1
Description

Smart Breakage Detection with Auto Power Cut System for Local Transimission  Lines using LoRa ( ELECTROFF SYSTEM )


Introduction
Electrical distribution lines are exposed to various faults such as wire breakage, pole fall, and line damage due to environmental conditions, accidents, and natural disasters. These faults can lead to electric shocks, fire hazards, equipment damage, and delays in fault identification. To improve safety and reduce response time, a smart monitoring and protection system is proposed.


System Overview

The proposed system consists of a Transmitter (TX) Unit installed on selected distribution poles and a Receiver (RX) Unit installed near the transformer or monitoring location. The system continuously monitors current flow, voltage conditions, and pole inclination using sensors.
The collected data is processed by a microcontroller and transmitted wirelessly through a long-range communication module. When a fault is detected, the receiver unit generates alerts, sends SMS notifications, and activates an automatic power isolation mechanism.


Working Principle
Step 1: Data Monitoring
The transmitter unit continuously monitors:
Current flow in the distribution line
Line voltage condition
Pole tilt angle
The sensor data is processed by the microcontroller.


Step 2: Fault Detection
When any of the following conditions occur:
Wire Breakage
Pole Fall
Abnormal Current Condition
The microcontroller identifies the fault condition.


Step 3: Wireless Communication
The detected fault information is transmitted from the TX Unit to the RX Unit using long-range wireless communication.

 

Step 4: Alert Generation
After receiving the fault information, the RX Unit:
Displays fault status on LCD
Activates Red Warning LED
Activates Buzzer Alarm
Sends SMS alerts to EB Office and maintenance personnel


Step 5: Automatic Power Isolation
The isolation output is activated automatically to disconnect the affected section and prevent electrical hazards.


Step 6: Reset Verification
After maintenance:
Operator presses Reset Button
System rechecks sensor status
If fault exists, isolation remains active
If fault is cleared, power is restored safely


 

Key Features

  • Real-Time Fault Detection
  • Wire Breakage Monitoring
  • Pole Fall Detection
  • Long-Range Wireless Communication
  • GSM Alert Notification
  • Automatic Power Isolation
  • Manual Reset Verification
  • Low Cost and Scalable Design

 

Problem Statement

Electrical line faults such as wire breakage and pole fall can lead to electric shocks, fire hazards, equipment damage, and delayed maintenance response. Existing systems often rely on manual fault identification, increasing risk and downtime.


Proposed Solution

A smart monitoring and protection system that detects wire breakage and pole fall in real time using sensors, transmits fault information wirelessly, sends instant SMS alerts, and automatically isolates the affected section to improve safety and reliability.

 

Connections 

STEP 1 – TX ESP32 Power Connection

• ESP32 VIN → 5V

• ESP32 GND → GND

Verify that the ESP32 powers on successfully.

 

STEP 2 – Voltage Sensor Connection

• Voltage Sensor VCC → ESP32 3.3V

• Voltage Sensor GND → ESP32 GND

• Voltage Sensor OUT → GPIO32

 

STEP 3 – Tilt Sensor Connection

• Tilt Sensor VCC → ESP32 3.3V

• Tilt Sensor GND → ESP32 GND

• Tilt Sensor OUT → GPIO34

 

STEP 4 – Current Sensor (ACS712) Connection

• ACS712 VCC → 5V

• ACS712 GND → GND

• ACS712 OUT → GPIO35

Power Line Connection:

Power Line → ACS712 IP+ → ACS712 IP− → Load

 

STEP 5 – HC-12 / LoRa Connection (TX Side)

• HC-12 TX → GPIO16

• HC-12 RX → GPIO17

• HC-12 VCC → 5V

• HC-12 GND → GND

TX Node Setup Completed.

 

STEP 6 – RX ESP32 Power Connection

• ESP32 VIN → 5V

• ESP32 GND → GND

 

STEP 7 – HC-12 / LoRa Connection (RX Side)

• HC-12 TX → GPIO26

• HC-12 RX → GPIO25

• HC-12 VCC → 5V

• HC-12 GND → GND

 

STEP 8 – LCD Connection

• LCD VCC → 5V

• LCD GND → GND

• LCD SDA → GPIO21

• LCD SCL → GPIO22

 

STEP 9 – Servo Motor Connection

• Servo Signal → GPIO33

• Servo VCC → External 5V Supply

• Servo GND → GND

Note: Servo GND and ESP32 GND must be connected together.

 

STEP 10 – Buzzer Connection

• Buzzer Positive → GPIO27

• Buzzer Negative → GND

 

STEP 11 – Push Button Connection

• One Terminal → GPIO13

• Other Terminal → GND

 

STEP 12 – GSM

SIM900A TX → ESP32 GPIO16 (RX)

SIM900A RX → ESP32 GPIO17 (TX)

SIM900A GND → ESP32 GND

SIM900A VCC → External 12V/2A Adapter (or as specified by your SIM900A board)

 

STEP 13 – Upload TX Code

Upload the transmitter code to the TX ESP32.

Expected Serial Monitor Output:

TX Sent: 3500,0,1

 

STEP 14 – Upload RX Code

Upload the receiver code to the RX ESP32.

Expected LCD Display:

RX Node Ready

 

STEP 15 – System Testing

Normal Condition:

• Voltage Present

• Tilt = 0

• Current = 1

Result:

• Servo OFF

• Buzzer OFF

Wire Cut Detection:

• Current becomes 0

Result:

• Servo rotates to 60°

• Buzzer ON

• SMS Alert Sent

• Blynk Notification Sent

Pole Fall Detection:

• Tilt Sensor activated

Result:

• Servo ON

• Buzzer ON

• SMS Alert Sent

System Reset:

• Press Reset Button

Result:

• Servo OFF

• Buzzer OFF

• System returns to Normal Mode


Innovation

The system combines fault detection, long-range wireless communication, remote alerting, automatic power isolation, and fault verification into a single low-cost platform suitable for rural and urban distribution networks.


Future Scope
Future enhancements include cloud monitoring, mobile application integration, GPS-based fault location tracking, AI-based fault prediction, and integration with smart grid infrastructure.


Expected Outcome
The system improves electrical safety, reduces accident risks, minimizes maintenance response time, and enables faster restoration of power during fault conditions.

 

System Workflow

The proposed system consists of a Transmitter (TX) Unit installed on selected distribution poles and a Receiver (RX) Unit installed near the transformer. The TX Unit continuously monitors current flow, voltage level, and pole tilt using sensors. The collected data is processed by a microcontroller and transmitted wirelessly to the RX Unit through long-range communication. When a wire breakage, pole fall, or abnormal electrical condition is detected, the RX Unit immediately receives the fault information and activates a warning buzzer, red LED indicator, and LCD display. At the same time, a GSM module sends an SMS alert to the Electricity Board (EB) office and maintenance personnel. The system then triggers an isolation mechanism to disconnect the affected line section and prevent electrical hazards. After the fault is repaired, the operator can press the reset button, allowing the system to verify the line condition. If no fault is detected, power is safely restored; otherwise, the isolation remains active until the fault is cleared.

 

Block Diagram

The proposed system consists of a Transmitter (TX) Unit and a Receiver (RX) Unit connected through long-range LoRa communication. The TX Unit is installed on the monitoring pole and continuously observes line conditions using voltage/current sensors and a tilt sensor. The sensor data is processed by a microcontroller, which detects wire breakage, pole fall, or abnormal electrical conditions. The fault information is then transmitted wirelessly to the RX Unit through LoRa communication.
The RX Unit receives the fault data and processes it using a microcontroller. Upon fault detection, the system activates a buzzer, emergency warning light, and LCD display to provide local fault indication. Simultaneously, a GSM module sends SMS alerts to the Electricity Board (EB) and maintenance personnel. The RX Unit also controls a servo-based isolation mechanism or MCCB interface to safely disconnect the affected line section and prevent electrical hazards. A reset button is provided to verify fault clearance before restoring power. The system additionally supports IoT dashboard integration for remote monitoring and fault management.

 

Schematic 

Transmitter (TX) Unit
The TX Unit is installed on the monitoring pole and continuously monitors the electrical distribution line using voltage/current sensors and a tilt sensor. The sensor data is processed by the ESP32 microcontroller to identify wire breakage, current interruption, voltage abnormalities, and pole fall conditions. The TX Unit is powered through a battery-backed power supply system and transmits fault information wirelessly to the RX Unit using the HC-12 (SI4463) communication module.


Receiver (RX) Unit
The RX Unit is installed near the transformer and receives fault information from the TX Unit through wireless communication. The ESP32 microcontroller processes the received data and activates the LCD display, buzzer, and emergency warning light to indicate the fault condition. Simultaneously, the SIM900 GSM module sends SMS alerts to the Electricity Board (EB) and maintenance personnel. The RX Unit also controls the isolation mechanism through a servo motor or MCCB interface to safely disconnect the affected line section. A reset button is provided to verify fault clearance and restore power only after safe operating conditions are confirmed.

 

Methodology
Step 1: Monitor current, voltage, and pole tilt using sensors.
Step 2: Process sensor data using microcontroller.
Step 3: Detect wire breakage or pole fall conditions.
Step 4: Transmit fault information through LoRa communication.
Step 5: Generate alerts using buzzer, LED, and LCD.
Step 6: Send SMS notification to EB office using GSM.
Step 7: Activate isolation mechanism for safe power cut.
Step 8: Verify fault clearance and restore power through reset operation.

 

Output

 

IoT Blynk Dashboard

The IoT Blynk Dashboard enables real-time monitoring of current, voltage, pole status, fault alerts, and power isolation status. It provides remote access to system information, helping maintenance personnel identify and respond to faults quickly.

Benefits and Social Impact


The Smart Breakage Detection with Auto Power Cut System using LoRa provides significant benefits for public safety, electrical infrastructure protection, and efficient fault management. The system can help prevent electric shock accidents caused by broken or fallen live wires by automatically isolating the affected line section and generating immediate alerts.


In rural areas, the system improves safety for farmers, livestock, and residents who may unknowingly come into contact with damaged electrical lines. In agricultural fields, it reduces the risk of electrical accidents near irrigation systems and farming activities. In urban environments, it helps protect pedestrians, motorists, and public infrastructure from hazards caused by fallen poles and broken conductors.


The system is also highly beneficial during natural disasters such as cyclones, storms, floods, and heavy rainfall, where electrical poles and conductors are vulnerable to damage. Real-time fault detection and automatic power isolation can reduce secondary accidents, fire hazards, and equipment damage during emergency situations.
By providing instant wireless communication, GSM alerts, local alarms, and remote monitoring through an IoT dashboard, the system enables faster maintenance response and reduces downtime. The proposed solution supports safer electrical distribution networks, improves reliability, reduces manual inspection efforts, and contributes to the development of smart and resilient power infrastructure.


Applications
• Rural Distribution Networks
• Urban Distribution Networks
• Agricultural Lands and Irrigation Areas
• Disaster-Prone Regions
• Smart Grid Infrastructure
• Industrial Power Distribution Systems
• Remote Village Electrification Projects
• Public Safety Monitoring Systems


Hazards Prevented
• Electric Shock Accidents
• Human Fatalities Due to Fallen Wires
• Livestock Electrocution
• Fire Hazards Caused by Electrical Faults
• Equipment Damage Due to Delayed Fault Detection
• Accidents During Cyclones and Storms
• Unauthorized Contact with Live Conductors
• Infrastructure Damage Escalation

 

Novelty of the Project
Real-time fault detection
Long-range wireless monitoring
Automatic power isolation
GSM alert notification
Fault verification before power restoration
Suitable for rural and agricultural areas


Social Impact
Protects people from electric shock accidents
Improves safety for animals and livestock
Reduces fire hazards caused by fallen wires
Supports faster maintenance response
Improves reliability of power distribution networks


Technical Challenges Addressed
Delayed fault identification
Lack of remote monitoring
Unsafe manual fault detection
Power restoration without fault verification
Communication limitations in rural areas

 

Conclusion
The proposed Smart Breakage Detection with Auto Power Cut System provides a reliable, low-cost, and scalable solution for real-time fault monitoring, remote alert generation, and automatic power isolation, enhancing the safety and efficiency of electrical distribution networks.

 

Youtube Video Link :  

Drive Link (Full Details) : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_kfd6snUCCmo6WxGQ4AtU_htMoNNkEUu

 

Codes

Downloads

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM Download
PPT pdf Download
PROJECT DETAILS PAPER Download
AI REPRESENTATION PROJECT DETAILS Download

Institute / Organization

Erode Sengunthar Engineering College
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