Preventing Electrical Hazards
Arc fault detection devices can detect electrical arcs and cut power in a circuit before a fire can start.
Using AFDD's To Prevent Electrical Fires
The electrical industry is constantly innovating, developing new ways to make installation and operation safer. Electrical arcs remain a significant cause of fires across the world, which has led to the development of arc fault detection devices (AFDD).
What is arc fault circuit protection?
More advanced than a traditional circuit breaker, AFDDs are fitted with an intelligent microprocessor. This allows each AFDD unit to analyse the waveform of voltage and current to detect a possible each arc in the connected circuit.
The AFDD can accurately tell the difference between real arc faults and normal, switching events. When a dangerous arc flash is detected, the AFFD breaks the circuit and stops the flow of electricity effectively extinguishing the dangerous arc. The ability to tell the difference between naturally occurring arcs from switching events for example and dangerous arcs prevents false tripping and increases the overall safety of the installation.
Where is arc fault protection required?
The inclusion of Arc fault detection devices is recommended in the 18th edition of BS 7671 as an additional measure for preventing electrical fires. As a result, AFDDs are an essential aspect of any compliant build.
AFDDs can detect both series and parallel arcs. Contrary to popular belief, AFDDs do work on ring final circuits however a series arc will not occur on the ring circuit cable itself, a parallel arc, however, is detected and disconnected. Any cable coming off the ring circuit however like a spur or flexible lead to an appliance is afforded both series and parallel arc protection. Using AFDD units from Hager, therefore offers complete protection across residential properties.
The AFDD’s onboard microprocessor reliably detects arcs caused by broken or damaged cables, incorrect termination, defective plugs and flexible cables or other similar factors. The AFDD immediately trips and therefore cuts the power off when a potentially hazardous arc occurs, helping to prevent electrical fires or physical injuries.
Flexible electric arcing prevention options
For one-off projects, installing Hager AFDDs is as quick and easy as installing traditional circuit breakers.
For larger projects it is worth considering our tailored solutions. We can specify and build pre-configured hybrid AFDD consumer units according to the specifications of your project, ready for immediate installation.
Choosing tailored AFDD protection ensures full compliance with the 18th edition of BS7671 out of the box. It also dramatically increases the speed at which your consumer units can be deployed.
Orange Electrical Contractors took this route, installing 28 AFDD consumer units in a new 210-bedroom student accommodation block near Warwick University. Tom Kennedy, the Director was clear about the advantages:
“By using a tailored solution from Hager, the Pre-configured Hybrid AFDD consumer unit offers plenty of space and accessibility so that our engineers can work comfortably and at ease. On a large-scale commercial project like this, installation speed is also of the essence and can be the difference in enabling us to stay on track with construction deadlines. The pre-assembled nature of the Hager hybrid distribution board has made a real difference to us.”
Tailored solutions go beyond simply pre-populating boards. We provide customised assembly, steelwork and grouping of products to build hybrid units that increase electrical safety and which are properly specified to the physical installation specifics of the property.
Compliant, safe and aesthetically pleasing, there is always an arc fault detection device to meet the needs of your project. And if there isn’t, we can design and build it for you.