M2 talks us through the benefits of the combined AFDD/RCBO device it has developed.
The recommendation for the use of AFDDs in BS7671:2018 – the 18th Edition – has certainly created a lot of debate in the industry about their use, but one thing is for sure, their purpose and function is one that is unparalleled when it comes to detecting potentially deadly arc faults in electrical installations.
Existing circuit protective devices typically found in consumer units do not offer complete protection against all arc fault types. For example, Live to Neutral arc faults will go undetected by RCDs and dependent on the level of current flow in the arc, can also be missed by MCBs. Series arcs faults will also go undetected by such devices.
Arc Fault Detection Devices bridge that gap, identifying previously unseen arc faults at low current levels (typically 2.5A and above) that can cause fires within electrical circuits and installations with sometimes devasting consequences.
M2 have developed a combined AFDD/RCBO device. Following on from the success of our compact RCBO launched over 6 years ago, the addition of the AFDD module was a natural progression and boasts the added feature of being able to fit on our existing bus bar system, with no modification or additional components necessary.
The M2-AFR range offers complete circuit protection, detecting Overload, Short Circuit, Earth Leakage and Arc Faults in final AC circuits. Available as a 6kA, 30mA, B curve device with Type A earth leakage characteristic, the M2-AFR device is now an integral part of the range and one that every installer needs to be aware of.
The M2-AFR device also features a self-test facility plus a LED status indicator on the front of the device which highlights whether a series, parallel, over-voltage or self-test fault has been identified following a trip event.
For more information, visit: M2 Electrical or email: sales@m2electrical.co.uk
