A circuit breaker includes a first lug and second and third acoustic lugs
electrically connected to a power circuit. Separable contacts are
electrically connected in series between the first lug and the second
acoustic lug. An operating mechanism opens and closes the separable
contacts. A first acoustic sensor is coupled to the second acoustic lug
and senses a first acoustic signal from the second acoustic lug. A second
acoustic sensor is coupled to the third acoustic lug and senses a second
acoustic signal from the third acoustic lug. The first and second
acoustic signals are operatively associated with a power circuit fault. A
current sensor senses a current flowing between the first and second
lugs. A circuit inputs the sensed acoustic signals and the sensed current
and detects and distinguishes a parallel arc fault or a series arc fault
from the sensed acoustic signals and the sensed current.