Arc Fault Detection Devices detect electrical arc faults that MCBs, RCDs and RCBOs cannot detect.
Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) are a key addition in the 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations.
These devices offer extremely effective protection against fires caused by electrical faults in final AC 230v circuits.
AFDDs detect electrical arc faults that MCBs, RCDs and RCBOs cannot detect. Serial arcs, for example, appear in loose connections and this condition will not cause an RCD or MCB to trip.
MCBs will not “see” this type of fault; it’s not an overload or short circuit. Furthermore RCDs are designed to not trip at 50% of the residual rated current, which means that persistent earth leakage currents of less than 50% RCD rating will go undetected and may cause overheating and ignition.
There are requirements in the 18th Edition, in chapters 13 & 42 that require designers and installers to ensure that the installation is arranged so that the risk of ignition from high temperatures or electric arc is minimised, and protection from harmful thermal effects is provided during normal operation and under fault conditions.
Protection requirements include protecting against fire caused by insulation faults, arcs and sparks and high temperatures
Wylex AFDDs combine with MCB and RCD technology, which provides overload, short circuit, earth leakage and arc fault detection, all from a single device. These devices also include two-pole switching for total isolation of any faulty circuits.
Now you can provide additional safety levels for your customers. Check out Wylex’s Arc Fault Detection Device Brochure and find out more here.
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