I agree that the testing is not laboratory level, but would those arcs not be more akin to that which would be found in the real world?
Which is surely what matters rather than precise laboratory generated arcs from signal generators which exactly match the algorithms that the device is programmed with?
Spoon, you are correct with the current levels required.
My concern is that as Spoon suggests the minimum arc current is 2.5A, now we are being told that we should fit these in places where there is an increased risk of fire, and external influence BE2 is mentioned, an enhanced risk of fire due to the nature of processed and or stored materials.
Now we are already required to fit a 0.3A RCD in these situations.
Now 0.3 A to (humour me please) 3A, which is 2.5 rounded up. is a change of an order of magnitude.
If, the maximum fault energy to cause a fire is required to be limited by an RCD to 0.3^2 x t, then why is it allowed to be 2.5^2 x t for an AFDD?
Could this be because the technology was "invented" in the USA, and it is fundamentally flawed, considering the guy who "invented" it has stated that it doesn't work, it seems that the manufacturers have done a good selling job to the committees.
Also, it won't work on a ring circuit, but, we still have to fit them because "it is there to protect against appliance faults", that is a quote from one of those "in control" of the industry.
So we are now having to fit a device that costs the customer like £1 per circuit per year, on every circuit, and we are supposed to be reducing carbon emissions, and saving energy...
I'm not saying that JW's videos are perfect, but, there is a lot more research that needs to go into this to prove that these devices are fit for purpose surely?
Think about it, if the AFDD costs £1 per year, 10 circuits £10, now if these are coupled with an electronic RCBO, is that another £1 per year?
Remember not all RCD's are now made on the old torroid coil principle, many have microprocessors and current sensors with AtoD converters etc. so they need power to work, which is why they must be connected in a specific line/load configuration.
So is that £20 per year, per household, think about this, multiply that by basically every circuit in the country...
These are also, not as sensitive or well proven as RCD's either, so can we rely on them for protection?
Please note, I'm not looking for an argument, more for a well rounded debate.