Detection of parallel electric arc faults by AFDD

Devices able to detect the electric arc faults in electric circuits use complex algorithms implemented into a signal digital processor included in their architecture. These are the most advanced electrical protection devices that include all the functionalities of previously used devices as miniature circuit breakers, residual current relays or fuses. Electric arc faults can occur in series or in parallel with the circuit load. This work proposes the study of the electric current and voltage waveforms produced by an arc fault in parallel with the circuit load. The disconnection time for each test was also measured. There were tested four Arc Fault Detection Devices from three different producers having B or C tripping characteristics and a nominal current value of 16 A. These devices are equipped with auxiliary contacts and therefore their working could be integrated in IoT systems.