A fault detection system of a utility meter for measuring electrical energy consumed by a load includes at least one current transformer, a temperature sensor, and a processor. The at least one current transformer is configured to generate a current measurement signal based on a current provided to the load. The temperature sensor is configured to generate a temperature signal based on a detected temperature of the utility meter. The processor is operably connected to the at least one current transformer and to the temperature sensor. The processor is configured to generate a phase angle value corresponding to a phase angle of the current measurement signal. The processor is further configured to generate a fault signal responsive to the temperature signal indicating that the detected temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature value and the phase angle value indicating detection of a leading current.