GB/T 31143-2025General requirements for arc fault detection and protection devices (AFDD) (English PDF)

Foreword

This document complies with the provisions of GB/T 1.1-2020 "Standardization Work Guidelines Part 1: Structure and Drafting Rules of Standardization Documents".

Drafting.

This document supersedes GB/T 31143-2014 "General Requirements for Arc Fault Protection Devices (AFDD)" and is consistent with GB/T 31143-2014.

In comparison, aside from structural adjustments and editorial changes, the main technical changes are as follows.

---The rated voltage has been changed to no more than 440V AC (see Chapter 1, Chapter 1 of the 2014 edition);

---Added classifications and characteristics for tri- and quadri-polar AFDDs (see 4.3 and 5.3.1);

---Added performance requirements and tests for power connection failures (see 8.18 and 9.23);

---Added test requirements for the four-electrode AFDD in the temperature rise test (see 9.8.2);

---Added a test and test circuit diagram for the correct operation of a three-phase system with unbalanced load and arcing (see 9.9.2.8 and...).

Figure 38);

---Added a test and test circuit diagram for the correct operation of a three-phase system under load balancing when an electric arc occurs (see 9.9.2.9 and Figure 38);

---Added suppressive load shielding tests and test circuit diagrams for three-pole and four-pole AFDD (see 9.9.4.5 and Figure 39);

---Added test circuit diagrams for three-pole and four-pole AFDD circuits with various interference loads (see 9.9.5.5 and Figure 39);

---Added requirements and test circuit diagrams for three-pole and four-pole AFDD in short-circuit tests (see 9.11.2.2 and Figure 19);

---The marking of AFDD after the circuit breaker or RCD and AFD unit assembly has been changed (see D.4.2.3, D.4.2.3, 2014 version).

This document is modified to adopt IEC 62606:2022 "General requirements for arc fault detection and protection devices (AFDD)".

The technical differences between this document and IEC 62606:2022, and the reasons therefor, are as follows.

---IEC 60664-1:2007 (5.2.1.3, 8.2.3, 9.7.7.5, B.3) has been replaced by the normatively referenced GB/T 16935.1-2023.

and B.4).

---The requirements and tests for a rated voltage of 120V have been removed (see Table 2, 9.9.2.6, 9.9.3.2, 9.9.4.2, 9.9.4.3, 9.9.4.4, and 9.9).

4.5, 9.9.5.2, 9.9.5.4, and 9.9.5.5).

---Add footnote a to Table 1.This explains that the test arc current is the expected current in the test circuit before arcing occurs, and is consistent with the test current in Table 3.

The arc current specifications are the same. Also, delete the clause in 9.9.2.1 that states, "Considering the arc voltage value during the test, by applying a rated current..." A voltage drop of 50V is applied to adjust the test current so that no arc is generated in the cable test specimen. (This is a paragraph from a test method.) all locations using the minimum test current of 2.5A have been changed to 3A (see Tables 1, 9.9.2.1, 9.9.4.2, 9.9.4.3, 9.9.4.4, 9.9.4.5).

9.9.5.4, 9.9.5.5 and E.2).

---In Appendix E, for AFDDs that meet the classification of 4.1.2, the relevant test requirements are supplemented (see E.1).

The following editorial changes have been made to this document.

---Modify the table order, changing Table 22 to Table 21 in the original text (see 5.3.1 and Table 21);

---Modify Figure 8 by changing "1.27mm" to "3mm" to match the description in 9.9.3.2 (see Figure 8);

---GB/T 16917.1 (see 6.2.2) has been added to the AFDD-connectable protective electrical appliance standard;

---The appendices are renumbered in the order of A to N, with the structure consistent with the original international text.

Please note that some content in this document may involve patents. The issuing organization of this document assumes no responsibility for identifying patents.

This document was proposed by the China Electrical Equipment Industry Association.

This document is under the jurisdiction of the National Technical Committee on Standardization of Low Voltage Electrical Appliances (SAC/TC189).

Introduction

The purpose of this document is to specify the necessary technical requirements and test procedures for arc fault protection devices (AFDDs). AFDDs are to be tested by professionals.

Personnel should install them in homes and similar locations to reduce the risk of electrical fires at their outlet terminals.

As is well known, residual current devices (RCDs) can detect leakage current in electrical devices and the residual current caused by tracking current.

Ground-ignition arcing effectively reduces fire hazard. However, in reality, RCDs, fuses, or miniature circuit breakers cannot reduce the risk of fire caused by series connections between live conductors.

Electrical fire hazard caused by electric arc or parallel electric arc.

When a series arc fault occurs, no leakage current to ground is generated, so the RCD cannot detect this type of fault. Furthermore, series...

The fault impedance of the electric arc reduces the load current, causing it to fall below the tripping threshold of the miniature circuit breaker or fuse. This occurs between the phase conductor and the neutral conductor.

In the event of parallel arcing, the current is limited only by the impedance of the device. The most severe case is sporadic arcing, which traditional circuit breakers do not...

It was designed for this purpose.

Practical experience and existing information confirm that the root mean square value of the ground fault current that causes a fire cannot be limited to the rated current of 50/60Hz.

Source frequency, which may include higher frequencies not considered when testing the RCD.

The risk of fire inside electrical installations can also be a result of overvoltage caused by a break in the neutral line of a three-phase installation.

This document includes AFDDs specifically installed on a distribution board at the terminal circuit inlet of a fixed electrical installation.

Arc Fault Detection and Protection Devices (AFDD) General requirements

1 Scope

This document applies to rated voltages not exceeding AC 440V, rated frequencies of 50Hz, 60Hz, or 50/60Hz, and rated currents not exceeding [missing information].

Arc fault protection device for household and similar AC circuits of 63A, hereinafter referred to as AFDD.

Note 1.The arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) in the United States is similar to the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFDD).

AFDD can be designed by the manufacturer as.

---A single electrical appliance with a disconnecting mechanism that can disconnect the protected circuit under specified conditions; or

---As a single electrical appliance, the arc fault protection function is embedded in the protective appliance or assembled with the protective appliance by the manufacturer; or

---As a separate unit, it is assembled on-site with the declared protective electrical appliances as per Appendix D.

The combined protective electrical equipment shall be a circuit breaker conforming to GB/T 10963.1 or conforming to GB/T 16916.1, GB/T 16917.1, or GB/T

22794 Residual current operated protective device (RCD).

Under certain conditions, if arcing continues, the arc fault current can cause a fire hazard. These devices are intended to reduce the risk of fire.

Fire hazard in the terminal circuit of electrical equipment.

Overvoltage caused by a break in the neutral wire of a three-phase electrical installation, leading to a fire, can also be protected against using this type of device as an additional protection.

For the choice, see 9.22.

Note 2.Tracking current can cause arcing, which may lead to fire.

This document applies to applications capable of detecting and identifying arc currents associated with fire risks, and defining operational requirements under specified conditions for use in fire-prone environments.

An electrical appliance that disconnects the circuit when the arc current exceeds the limit specified in this document.

AFDD conforming to this document applies to IT systems, except for AFDD with a non-disconnectable neutral line.

This document does not cover AFDDs powered by circuits other than the protected circuit or by batteries.

AFDD is intended to be operated by non-professionals, requires no maintenance, and provides isolation.

Special requirements may be required for the following products.

---AFDD combined with plugs and sockets or electrical couplers for household or similar general purposes;

---Intended for use at frequencies other than 50Hz or 60Hz in AFDD.

Note 3.For AFDDs that are installed in plugs and sockets, or AFDDs specifically designed for plugs and sockets, the technical requirements in this document can be used in conjunction with GB/T 2099.1.

(where applicable)

When excessively high overvoltages may occur on the power supply side, special measures (such as surge protectors) may be required.

The technical requirements in this document apply to normal temperature environmental conditions, which are suitable for applications intended for pollution degree 2 and overvoltage classes.

AFDD of type III. For AFDD used in areas with harsh environmental conditions, it can supplement the necessary technical requirements.

Note 4.DC AFDD is under consideration.

2 Normative references

The contents of the following documents, through normative references within the text, constitute essential provisions of this document. Dated citations are not included.

For references to documents, only the version corresponding to that date applies to this document; for undated references, the latest version (including all amendments) applies.

This document.