BS 7671 Regulation 532.6 AFDD

[dinger809]

Hi all,
I know there have probably been posts on this already, but I can’t find it.
The regulation above says “Where specified, Arc Fault Detection Devices shall be installed....”

Where is it specified? I’ve been looking in the book, on line and on here. Even speaking to NICEIC and board manufacturers, nobody seems to really have an answer when they should be fitted

What is the consensus on here? Or is there one?

I thank you all in advance

 

[buzzlightyear]

How an Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDD) can prevent electrical fire? - https://blog.schneider-electric.com/power-management-metering-monitoring-power-quality/2013/07/03/do-you-know-an-arc-fault-detection-device-afdd-can-prevent-from-an-electrical-fire/

 

[Pete999]

Hi all,
I know there have probably been posts on this already, but I can’t find it.
The regulation above says “Where specified, Arc Fault Detection Devices shall be installed....”

Where is it specified? I’ve been looking in the book, on line and on here. Even speaking to NICEIC and board manufacturers, nobody seems to really have an answer when they should be fitted

What is the consensus on here? Or is there one?

I thank you all in advance

On Site Guide page 45, BS7671 regulation 421.1.7 read and digest.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Arc Fault Detection Devices | Proactive Technical Training - https://www.proactivetechnicaltraining.co.uk/arc-fault-detection-devices

 

[dinger809]

Arc Fault Detection Devices | Proactive Technical Training - https://www.proactivetechnicaltraining.co.uk/arc-fault-detection-devices

Thanks Buzz, I know what they are and what they do (I am an approved sparks) but I’m just trying to get a consensus on when they should be fitted in new installations. Six of us on a job last week and six opinions on what should be done

 

[buzzlightyear]

the wiring regs states it is recommend to fit them as addition against fire etc .they will be costly, will you be fitting spuds has well.

 

[dinger809]

On Site Guide page 45, BS7671 regulation 421.1.7 read and digest.

Cheers Pete, the confusion comes where it says in 421.1.7 “if used”, so there is no compulsion to put them in. This is where a big debate begins

 

[dinger809]

Buzz, you’re not kidding! £100 each. In a new install with 10 circuits that’s a grand just on AFDD’s alone. If someone wants a new board, do we HAVE to fit them. As above, the new rev is too ambiguous.

 

[ackbarthestar]

You should do nothing until it becomes imperative to fit them.
1. they cost far too much at the moment
2. It is only a recommendation
3. Generally only heavy loads generate arcs and sparks, applies mainly to industrial systems
4.. Many loose neutral connections are atributed to DNO faults AFDD only work on downstram faults
5. Wait till you can buy an AFDD, SPD, RCD and OCPD in one single pole sized unit at a price which correlates to the price of a RCBO

 

[Pete999]

Thanks Buzz, I know what they are and what they do (I am an approved sparks) but I’m just trying to get a consensus on when they should be fitted in new installations. Six of us on a job last week and six opinions on what should be done

Don't want to but in but: AFDs
THhe use of AFDsis recommended as additional protection against fire in an A/C Final Circuit. Such protection is not offered by Circuit Breakers, fuse or RCDs as AFDDs are designed to detect low level hazardous arcing that Circuit Breakers, Fuses or RCDs are not designed to detect. AFDDs detect series and parallel arcs which, for instance, can occur within damaged cables an poor /loose connections.
AFDDsn may be provide as:
A) one single device complying with BS EN 60898-1 61009-1 or 600269
B) One single device BS EN 60898=1, 61009-1or 62423. incorporated in a protective device.
C)An AFDD add on module.
AFDDs shall be installed at the origin of the circuit to be protected.
Clear enough now is it.

 

[Pete999]

Cheers Pete, the confusion comes where it says in 421.1.7 “if used”, so there is no compulsion to put them in. This is where a big debate begins

Read the OSG it explains things quite well

 

[dinger809]

And and AFDD won’t detect a fault on a ring final circuit, only on an appliance attached to it, due to the nature of ring final circuits. So, what’s the point of fitting one to them.

Again, my question is, when they should be fitted, or even do they need to be?

 

[dinger809]

And yes Pete........ it’s as clear as mud!!

 

[Pete999]

And and AFDD won’t detect a fault on a ring final circuit, only on an appliance attached to it, due to the nature of ring final circuits. So, what’s the point of fitting one to them.

Again, my question is, when they should be fitted, or even do they need to be?

It's a RECOMMENDATION only, What does your Scam say? or are they as much in the dark as the folk that produce the Regulations?

 

[Andy-1960]

And and AFDD won’t detect a fault on a ring final circuit, only on an appliance attached to it, due to the nature of ring final circuits. So, what’s the point of fitting one to them.

Again, my question is, when they should be fitted, or even do they need to be?

Hager are working on one the will work on a RFC rated at 32A, however Schneider can only offer one that will only work on a radial with a max rating of 25A. So in the future you will need to check the spec of what is installed when doing a periodic as there does not appear to be any standardisation across manufacturers as yet.