Power management company Eaton has released AFDD+, an arc fault detection device which provides critical all-in-one protection against electrical fires in buildings.
With built-in arc fault detection, earth leakage current protection (RCD), short circuit and overcurrent protection (MCB) technology in one compact device, the AFDD+ can be easily installed on switchboards for new-builds or retrofitted in residential applications.
The company's ANZ general manager of power distribution, Dan Agnew, said electricians, builders and owners need to future proof electrical installations, especially following the release of the new AS/NZS 3000 electrical installations standard which recommends the use of arc fault detection devices.
“Often hidden and hard to detect manually, arc faults can be caused by repeatedly pulling out cables by the cord, the crushing of trapped cables or even pet and rodent damage,” Agnew said.
“Without detection, arc faults can cause a build up of carbon which can easily ignite and potentially result in an extremely costly or deadly fire.
“Standard switchboards with RCD and MCB circuit protection are unable to detect electrical arc faults that are the root cause of most fires – so by adding an extra layer of protection with Eaton AFDD+, arc faults can be detected early, immediately isolating the damaged cable and effectively eliminating the ignition point.”
The Eaton AFDD+ is the first IECbased solution in the world to combine all three protective layers in one device.
The AS/NZS 3000 electrical installations standard published guidelines for use of arc fault detection devices in final subcircuits for locations storing flammable materials, fire propagating structures, premises with sleeping accommodation or buildings where valuable assets need to be protected.
The Eaton AFDD+ comes in multiple options ranging from 10 to 40 amps, with in-built 30mA Type A RCD.
Devices come with a purpose-designed busbar comb for easy installation.
With around 96,000 employees worldwide, Eaton sells products in more than 175 countries and 2017 sales topped $20.4 billion. Visit Eaton.com.