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Arc Fault Detection Devices

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Hi Everyone,

I'm just wondering how everyone is faring with AFDDs, especially in commercial/industrial installations?

421.1.1 states that you shall protect against "insulation faults or arcs, sparks and high temperature particles", yet 421.1.7 only recommends AFDDs,


What are everyone's thoughts?


Thanks,

Nathan
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    Nathan,

    The big problem with Arc Flash Detection is that in order for it to work you must already have an Arc Fault, so even with AFDDs you have to protect against the "arcs, sparks and high temperature particles". The advantage you have with the detection is you can then trip the protection to limit the damage.  This means that the protection needs to be in place whether or not you have AFDDs, but with AFDDs you may not need the same degree of protection. Just don't get caught in the trap of believing that you have fitted AFDDs and therefore you have it sorted.

    Alasdair
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  • 0
    Nathan,

    The big problem with Arc Flash Detection is that in order for it to work you must already have an Arc Fault, so even with AFDDs you have to protect against the "arcs, sparks and high temperature particles". The advantage you have with the detection is you can then trip the protection to limit the damage.  This means that the protection needs to be in place whether or not you have AFDDs, but with AFDDs you may not need the same degree of protection. Just don't get caught in the trap of believing that you have fitted AFDDs and therefore you have it sorted.

    Alasdair
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