In the US a short circuit which produces sputtering of any kind (most faults do) is considered arcing per UL's definition. Paschen's law need not apply.
Thats exactly why AFCIs were created. After it was theorized that 75 amps could be seen at the end of a really long run a 75 amp pickup breaker was created as a concept but soon realization came that certain goods would trip it.
I know some EU micrwaves have this circuit where as US versions do not. EU equipment seems to have much lower inrush than US equipment- in the US you can see the lights dim when a fridge starts or someone turns on a tool/appliance ect. I'd imagine not so in the UK/EU?
Does the UK require RCDs in patient care areas? I saw this guide for Australia and it appears that 10ma RCDs are mandated in Aus?
https://electricaltestingcompany.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Body-2018-rev-C.pdf
In the US GFCIs are not required, and where GFCI would be required like...
Where the above PDF lead to the 3 PDFs I've attached below.
Lowering the magnetic trip value on single pole US breakers worked well, until it was theorized that in long circuit runs with a high Ze short circuit currents in US home wiring could be as low as 75 amps at the furthest point in the...
AFDDs are redundant at best in the IEC market. Period. I know because thats exactly what UL and manufacturers were imitating when they created them. By their own admission EU/AS/NZ wiring practices already detect arcing faults.
I'm elated to know that you can see it. Not everyone can. AFCIs and GFCIs are being applied to fix a problem that the NFPA will not admit to. I'd be banned for saying it on a US forum, but the NFPA should not be writing electrical codes. 60 years of ignorance regarding basic electrical theory...
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