Electrical fees pose a significant risk to properties and homes, leading to devastating consequences. Innovative technologies such as Arc fault Detection Devices (SFDDs) have been developed to ensure safety. These are advanced devices designed to detect and mitigate electrical arc faults, which are common causes of electrical fires. The blog explores the importance of AFDDs in minimising electrical fires and how they ensure the safety of your homes and loved ones.
Understanding Arc Faults and Their Dangers
Arc faults occur when electrical currents jump between two conductive surfaces, resulting in a luminous discharge of energy. These can arise from ageing wiring, damaged connections, or an insulation breakdown. Arc faults generate intense heat and can ignite the surrounding materials, leading to electrical fires that spread rapidly.
The air molecules are ionised by the current, which raises the temperature to a point where an electric fire can start. When the current encounters a space between conductors, arcs are created in the electrical wiring that has been constructed. A damaged insulator, a loose connection of the wires, or a worn-out electrical wire can all cause a gap.
Finding the defaults that can result in electrical sparks and fires is known as fault detection. The electrician installs arc fault detecting devices during the electrical wiring to prevent arc faults. They interrupt the current flow and reduce it, as their name implies. They serve as switches to reduce the current when they identify any defaults or overloads.
How Does an Arc Fault Detector Work?
As circuit breakers are unable to detect electrical arcs that occur suddenly, you cannot rely on them to protect you against arcs. They can only safeguard you against potential short circuits and current overloads. Arc faults can damage the insulators in cables, connections, plugs, and adapters, causing the wires to become loose. Your electrical system is left with weak spots, putting you at risk of electrical fires, which is why it is important to install arc fault detectors.
The harmful arcs in the electrical system are designed to be detected by the detectors, which then stop the passage of current to the damaged side. The microprocessor technology used to create the arc fault detectors (special algorithms) can analyse the current flow and find anomalous signatures that result in electric fires.
The AFDD trips off in the case of fault arcs, stopping the current flow to stop the arcs from getting to the defective locations. Arc fault detectors perform more effectively than traditional circuit devices. Here is what the arc fault detector does:
- The additional protection provided by the RCD is limited to 30 mA.
- It has a fault prevention mechanism that immediately stops the flow of current in the direction where arcs are occurring.
- It has an insulator layer covering it to prevent users from coming into direct contact with the power, providing minimal electrical protection.
Conclusion
Arc Fault Detection Devices play a crucial role in minimising the risk of electrical fires by mitigating artefact faults in electrical systems. By incorporating AFDDs into your home’s safety measures, you can easily enhance fire prevention while providing a safer environment for your family. If you want to install an arc fault detection device at your home, feel free to get in touch with us and seek our assistance.
