| Customization: | Available |
|---|---|
| Breaking Capacity: | Low Voltage Circuit Breakers |
| Operation: | Electric Type |
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Arcs are visible plasma discharges caused by electrical current passing through a normally nonconductive medium, such as air. This is caused when the electrical current ionizes gases in the air, temperatures created by arcing can exceed 6000 °C. These temperatures are sufficient to start a fire.
What causes arcs?
An arc is created when the electrical current jumps the gap between two conductive materials. The most common causes of arcs include worn contacts in electrical equipment, damage to insulation, break in a cable and loose connections.
What are Arc Fault Detection Devices?
AFDDs are protective devices installed in consumer units to provide protection from arc faults. They use microprocessor technology to analyse the waveform of the electricity being used to detect any unusual signatures which would signify an arc on the circuit. This will cut off power to the affected circuit and could prevent a fire. They are far more sensitive to arcs than conventional circuit protective devices.
Like a Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) or Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection (RCBO), AFDDs usually incorporate a test button which can be operated by the end-user to prove the mechanical operation of the device.
Do I need to install an AFDD on every circuit?
In some cases, it may be appropriate to protect particular final circuits and not others but if the risk is due to fire propagating structures, for example, a timber-framed building, the whole installation should be protected.
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