AFDD

I installed AFDDs on the ring final circuits in my own house and found them very susceptible to nuisance tripping. Sometimes a particular appliance would trigger a trip when plugged in; other times, there was no obvious cause. None of the appliances had any identified safety issues.

I’d estimate they tripped at least once a week, which is a real concern when you’re on holiday and the freezer is on the same circuit.

In theory, they’re a great idea. In practice, my own experience has been frustrating.

There's an interesting new video on YouTube by David Savery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwNgavXOEE0 "AFDD: Arc fault finding finds fried wiring ".

In this case the AFDD seems to have done its job. It kept tripping with a series arc fault. The fault turned out to be loose neutrals on a double socket, leaving the wires and socket charred.

Simon Barker said:

In this case the AFDD seems to have done its job.

But not the initial verifyer, and any subsequent inspector.

Unless of course, the local spiders are so strong that they can undo terminals with their bare hands.

Gordon Routledge said:

I installed AFDDs on the ring final circuits in my own house and found them very susceptible to nuisance tripping. Sometimes a particular appliance would trigger a trip when plugged in; other times, there was no obvious cause. None of the appliances had any identified safety issues.

18 months use here in my house and no random trips at all. Made by Hager, double pole unit, unlike the newer single unit ones. I didn't fit them for any need, I had a few spare from a previous worksite, so used them when I did the consumer unit rather than buying new breakers. I'm very sceptical about their use, if the Manufacturers won't say when they trip, how can we, as Electricians or Designers, recommend their use unless mandated?