UL 1699, the standard for AFCI devices, has quite a bit of required
immunity testing. Unfortunately, it is still not enough. Even with all of
the required testing, AFCI devices are still susceptible to unwanted
tripping.
UL 1699 requires immunity to voltage surges including ring wave and
combination wave tests. There are tests for immunity to inrush current,
normal operational arcing (such as in a motor load), non-sinusoidal
waveform loads, cross talk and even a lamp burnout test. UL has required
tests for immunity to ESD, EFT, radiated EMI, surge, conducted RFI and
voltage dips, interruptions and variations. Most of this testing can be
done with standard immunity test equipment for the IEC 61000-4 series of
standards.
The normal arcing test uses loads of a vacuum cleaner, a bimetallic
appliance, light bulbs with a snap switch, a variable speed drill, ceiling
fan control and a UV air purifier to create the "normal arcing" that you
might see during use. You will need to buy a copy of UL 1699 to get the
specifics for the required loads. However, most of the required equipment
can be purchased at an appliance or hardware store.
UL uses a carbonized path tester to determine if the AFCI operates for
hazardous arcing. I have no idea where you would buy this test equipment.
UL 1699 does provide a schematic with part number if you would like to
build your own tester. There is an additional test in UL 1699 which is
nothing more than forcing a steel blade through a power cord to short out
the two conductors. It looks a lot like a standard office paper cutter.
I can't provide a lot of information on testing AFCI devices for normal
operation. I don't make AFCIs, I only use them. I have been subjected to
unintentional tripping, leading me to do a little more research.
Ted Eckert
American Power Conversion Corporation
The items contained in this e-mail reflect the personal opinions of the
writer and are only provided for the assistance of the reader. The writer
is not speaking in an official capacity for APC nor representing APC's
official position on any matter.
"Jim Eichner"
<Jim.eichner@Xant
rex.com> To
Sent by: <[email protected]>
[email protected] cc
Subject
05/30/2006 01:04 AFCI's (was GFCI and High
PM frequency (kHz) applications)
Experience with GFCI's has taught people to be careful with assumptions
regarding their EMC immunity, and I have the same concerns times 10 with
AFCI's.
I someone wanted to do some testing on AFCI's, how would they do it?
With a GFCI you can put a variable resistor from line to ground and run
tests to make sure it does not trip until at least 4mA and does trip by
6mA. Pretty simple setup. For AFCI's I would imagine the pass/fail
criteria and the test equipment needed are much more sophisticated.
Does anyone have any information on what is required to do this testing,
including any off-the-shelf test equipment available?
Thanks,
Jim Eichner, P.Eng.
Compliance Engineering Manager
Xantrex Technology Inc.
e-mail: [email protected]
web: www.xantrex.com
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From: [email protected] On Behalf Of Robert A. Macy
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2006 9:39 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: GFCI and High frequency (kHz) applications
AFCI ?! It's about time !
I've related this before but it is timely again, concerning safety in
the home.
One afternoon my wife who was sitting on the edge of the bed at the
time, called me over, saying, "Listen to this."
There was a distinct "zzhht", "zzhht" sound coming from somewhere behind
the night stand. The sound got louder, and became constant, until
flames erupted up along the wall about six inches from the curtains.
I pulled cords out of the outlet by their cords, which stopped it all,
except for some "stinky" smoke.
Upon investigation I found that the UL approved outlet and UL approved
cord plugged into the outlet [not supplying power to anything at the
time, simply plugged in] had sustained an arc between the blades. An
arc that carbonized the plastic, sustaining the arc more. Not enough
current to take out the 20A breaker, but enough current to BURN the
plastics, ignite the plastics, and set up a potentially devastating
fire.
I was livid that UL approved items that would deteriorate in this
manner. Upon checking with the local Fire Department, I found that this
scenario was almost the number one cause of fires in homes - damage
*and* loss of life.
If we had not even been in the room, this could have gotten out of hand
very quickly.
So the AFCI function you describe is really worth it.
PS. Since this experience I have embarked on an annual
inspection/maintenance program for all electricals. Just didn't know
how necessary it was before.
- Robert -
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