A method and apparatus for collecting power distribution system data is provided. The method includes communicatively coupling a plurality of node electronic units to a digital network, communicatively coupling at least one central control processing unit (CCPU) to the digital network, executing a data capture software module running on the at least one CCPU wherein the module includes a data capture buffer and a secondary buffer, and activating the data capture module in response to a triggering event. The apparatus includes a plurality of node electronic units, at least one central control processing unit (CCPU), and a data capture software module running on the at least one CCPU wherein the module includes a data capture buffer and a secondary buffer wherein the module is configured to collect data in the data capture buffer and the secondary buffer, and the module is configured to activate in response to a triggering event.