A high-speed signaling device on a branch of an electric power distribution system modulates the signal from the branch and communicates the signal to an intelligent electronic device on a feeder to the branch at speeds sufficient for the intelligent electronic device to modify protection algorithms based on the signal from the high-speed signaling device. The intelligent electronic device may be a recloser control that controls protective equipment such as a recloser. The signal may be sent via infrared and/or radio frequency. The signal may be modulated so as to communicate information such as the phase with which it is associated. The high-speed signaling device may further communicate current information to the intelligent electronic device.