An improved high impedance fault (HIF) detection system comprises an analyzer located at a circuit breaker or substation with feeders, wherein the analyzer analyzes current and/or voltage waveforms to detect a HIF on the feeder or on one of a plurality of laterals coupled to the feeder; a plurality of remote outage detectors located respectively at corresponding customer sites, each remote outage detector including a mechanism to detect a loss of potential or power at the corresponding site; and a computer in communication with the analyzer and the remote outage detectors.