As the number of accidental fires in the home and at work continue to increase, ABB has launched its new S-ARC1 Arc Fault Detection Device (AFDD) with integrated Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)
According to the product standard IEC / EN 62606, an AFDD is a device intended to mitigate the effects of arcing faults, by automatically disconnecting the circuit when an arc fault is detected. The causes of Arc Faults include damaged installations, trapped cables, cable breakage, UV radiation and rodent damage, loose contacts and connections, incorrect installation or broken plugs and cables.
Commenting on the launch, Piero-Giorgio Schiannini, Global Product Group Manager DIN rail Products, said: “Protecting our customers is at the forefront of our product innovation, and is central to ABB’s product philosophy and global mission, and we are committed to reducing the number of unnecessary fires.
The new S-ARC1 series is an easy way for installers to minimize potential issues and provide peace of mind for their customers. It offers maximum safety and easy installation and is a positive step forward in our building protection solutions.”
ABB’s new 1P+N Arc Fault Detection Devices with integrated Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB), S-ARC1 and S-ARC1 M, are available in 6kA and 10kA breaking capacity respectively and provide protection against over- currents and arc faults.
When combined with a Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) as an upstream device, the S-ARC1 series provides the best solution for complete switchboard protection
Equipped with double slots for easy connection with cables or busbars, the new series is 50 percent quicker to install. It can also be used with ABB’s System Pro M compact busbars, removing the need for additional wiring cables. Supplied from both top and bottom terminals, the S-ARC1 is ideal for use across all European countries.
Its LED function monitoring shows the current status of the device and identifies the potential cause of any tripping. This reduces maintenance time and allows for easy troubleshooting of the network.
ABB’s new S-ARC1 series is also continuously self-testing, thanks to the addition of an internal electronic unit. To guarantee continuity of service and avoid unwanted tripping if the internal self-test fails, the LED will switch off or start blinking green and red alternatively, and won’t trip the system. In addition, a test push-button is present, to verify the correct functioning of the AFDD.
S-ARC1 and S-ARC1 M are ideal for use in a range of installations, from sleeping and common rooms in schools, nurseries and care homes, to rooms and buildings with high fire risks, such as production facilities, printing shops or manufacturing plants. Other applications include buildings made with prevailingly flammable building materials, such as wooden houses or forced ventilation systems and culturally important venues including museums, libraries and art galleries.