Acti 9 AFDD Schneider Electric is an electrical device that can provide maximum protection for your electrical circuit. Do you know the functions and advantages of this device?
Every electrical circuit in a building, both housing and buildings, must have a risk of electric arc faults, which can be the main cause of electrical fires. This disturbance is also generally not always visible because it can occur in hidden places. To prevent electric arc faults that can cause fires, a device is needed that can detect electric arc faults, namely AFDD (Arc Fault Detection Devices).
In the following article, we will explain in full about Acti 9 AFDD Schneider Electric that you need to know. Come on, check it out!
What Causes Arc Fault?
Before starting to discuss AFDD, you need to know what is arc fault and its causes first. An arc fault, or electric arc fault, is the release of electrical charge between two or more conductors. This condition usually occurs in loose connections or in damaged cables. This arc fault is also generally the beginning of many electrical fires because it can create temperatures that can exceed 5000 °C at the arc point.
Arc faults can be caused by many things, including loose wall sockets, old cable connections, or poor installation, and poor connections in junction boxes, it can also be due to trapped cables, incorrect handling of socket and cable connections, and overloading of multiple connectors. In addition, arc faults can also occur due to environmental aggression, such as varying temperatures, ultraviolet light, vibration, humidity, and rodents.
There are two types of arc faults. The first is a series arc fault, which is an arc fault between two parts of the same conductor. Then, a parallel arc fault, which is an arc fault between two different conductors.
What is Acti 9 AFFD Schneider Electric?
With all the problems in the electrical circuit, there are several existing protection devices, such as circuit breakers, residual current devices, surge arresters, and overvoltage detectors. However, these protection devices cannot protect the electrical circuit from arc faults. When an arc fault occurs, the current value remains below the rated current, so the device does not trip.
Therefore, AFDD is present as the latest generation of previously existing protection devices. AFDD (Arc Fault Detection Devices) or Arc Fault Detection Devices are devices that will detect the presence of dangerous arcs and turn off the affected circuit. Currently, the use of this device is mandatory for single-phase AC final circuits that supply power outlets, with a rated current of no higher than 32A.
According to the application standards, Schneider Electric Acti 9 AFDD is recommended for arc fault protection in final circuits in certain locations, such as:
- Sleeping accommodation, e.g., bedrooms (in residential), hotels, nursing home
- Locations with a fire risk due to the nature of processed or stored materials, e.g,., barns, wood-working shops, and stores of combustible materials
- Locations with combustible constructional materials e.g., wooden buildings
- Locations with building structures that can spread fire, such as high-rise buildings
- Locations with endangering of irreplaceable items, e.g., museums
In particular, the installation of AFDD is also highly recommended to protect circuits with a high fire risk, such as:
- Protruding cables (risk of knocks)
- Outside cables (greater risk of deterioration)
- Unprotected cables in secluded areas, (like storage rooms)
- Ageing, deteriorating wiring or wiring for which the connection boxes are inaccessible
However, there are some exceptions to the installation of Schneider Electric Acti 9 AFDD, such as AFDDs that should not be installed on circuits that require a high level of service continuity. And AFDD shall be installed at the origin of the final circuit to be protected.
Function of Acti 9 AFDD Schneider Electric
AFDD, or Arc Fault Detection Devices, are basically a circuit breakers that will automatically cut off the electric current when they detect an electric arc fault in the circuit. By cutting off the electric current immediately, AFDD can prevent the arc fault from reaching a temperature that can cause a fire.
The function of this device is to reduce the risk of electrical fires caused by electric arcs, which are caused by damaged or worn electrical equipment and circuits. AFDD itself is designed to help prevent or reduce the risk of electrical fires due to electric arc faults in cables and equipment, so that it can provide an additional level of protection.
How Acti 9 AFDD Schneider Electric Works
The way Acti 9 AFDD Schneider Electric works is by using microprocessor technology to analyze electrical waveforms. Later, this device will detect unusual signs that indicate an electric arc in the circuit. AFDD uses the physical characteristics of arc faults to distinguish dangerous arcs from normal operational arcs. When the arc fault is dangerous, AFDD will immediately cut off the power to the affected circuit, thus preventing fire.
AFDD is certainly much more sensitive to electric arcs compared to other conventional circuit protection devices such as MCB and RCBO. Therefore, AFDD Schneider Acti 9 ARC iCXX and Acti9 VigiARC iCXX could be added to the MCB. And Acti9 iCVXX ARC can replaces the RCBO.
Specifications and Advantages of Acti 9 AFDD Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric's Acti 9 AFDD has two versions, namely Connectable, commonly called Active, and Non-Connectable. On the Connectable AFDD, there are VISI-SAFE, VISI-TRIP, Push Button, and LED.
Specifications:
- Din Rail Offering
- Acti9 Form Factor (P0)
- 1P+N
- 2P
- Top and bottom feed
- MCB + AFD
- Switch + AFD
- MCB + RCD VI + AFD
- Up to 40A
- Max Icn + 10,000A
- Top Auto Comb: Busbar (with Pegaso MCB)
- There are Active System Devices, such as remote alarm, pre-alarm and remote monitoring, and measurement
Advantages:
- Compact and easy to install. Schneider Electric Acti 9 AFDD can be installed in an electrical switchboard, together with other protective equipment
- The device is very sensitive, designed to detect and respond only to potentially hazardous arcs
- Complies with IEC 62606, the new international standard covering product safety and performance
That's a complete explanation of the Schneider Electric Acti 9 AFDD product, including the advantages.
If you are interested in buying it, you can check it out directly at Listrikkita.com!
