New Pilot Technology Helps Combat Wildfires

Southern California Edison is installing Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters (REFCLs), a promising new pilot technology, to help combat the increasing threat of wildfires.

REFCLs are devices on the grid that work like a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (also called a GFCI) on bathroom power outlets or on hair dryers.

When a REFCL senses a disturbance on the system like a downed power line, it instantly and significantly reduces the power flowing through the line. This mitigation technology helps to reduce the risk of ignition from power lines.