Arc Fault Current Detection & Protection

An Arc Fault is a high power discharge of electricity between two or more conduction paths. This discharge translates into heat which can break down insulation and possibly trigger an electrical fire.

In the instance of a break in a wire there will be intermittent connection between two ends of the exposed broken wire. As a result arcing will occur. This is known as a series arc fault condition. Once the particular area is ionized the arc will become established. This will lead to a combination of arcing and heat. The level of heat produced can potentially build up to 1000 C causing the installation to ignite and thereby present a significant fire risk. It is vitally important to detect the Arc Fault Current before an electrical fire can start. An Arc Fault Current Detecting device will detect the established arc fault current in a timely manner and remove power from the faulty circuit and thereby reduce the risk of an electrical fire becoming established.

Another arc fault risk situation that presents itself the instance of an insulation breakdown to ground. This is referred to as a parallel arc fault, but also poses a serious fire risk. It occurs as a result of a loose connection or in the event of contact between a live part and the ground. For example, an earth tab that touches a live part intermittently due to vibration. Each time contact is made with the live part, an arc may be generated. The arc generated will be of a certain magnitude and duration, but if these are above a certain level the arc fault current detector will trip and disconnect the power.

WA technology ensures that serious and parallel arc fault currents are detected quickly, thereby mitigating the risk of a potentially deadly electrical fire.

 

WA offers Arc Fault Current Detection solutions in the form of technology that OEMs can integrate into their product and we also provide Arc Fault Current detectors. Our technology meets the requirements of IEC/EN 62606 (AFDD) and UL 1699 (AFCIs)