Hager Launches New AFDD Solution

Hager's New AFDD Changes The Game

Hager confirms that their eagerly awaited AFDD range will be released for pre-order in mid-August and is set to transform the future of Arc Fault Detection. In addition to being available in MCB and RCBO format, every Hager AFDD comes with advanced ProTools, setting the benchmark in performance and support.  

 Pro Tools

Exclusive to Hager AFDD devices, ProTools is the manufacturer’s pioneering diagnostic software that offers two unique elements to guarantee that the installer has the right tools at their disposal to ensure that AFDD installations perform in all scenarios.

Advanced On-Board Diagnostics

Equipped with built-in advanced diagnostics software, every Hager AFDD device benefits from the technology, ensuring that unwanted or operational trips are quickly detected and easily identified. Once the Hager RCBO/AFDD or MCB/AFDD device has tripped, installers can quickly identify the cause for the disconnected circuit at the push of a button on the front of the device.

The multicoloured LED display will flash in a different sequence of colours to identify the fault. With the ability to identify 8 statuses, the device will instantly detect if a Series Arc, Parallel Arc, Overvoltage, Residual Current Fault, Overload, Short Circuit, AFDD failure or manual trip has occurred, saving time and improving diagnostic ability.

In Situ Software Upgrades

The latest AFDD device from Hager contains a microprocessor which runs a sophisticated algorithm, continuously checking the circuits for any indication of an arc fault. Whilst the extensive testing program provides a stable platform for today, it is possible that an electrical goods manufacturer of tomorrow may create an electrical device with a different waveform signature, thus creating a new signature for the Arc Fault Device and causing the device to trip.

With ProTools and the In Situ Software Upgrades, Hager is able to modify the algorithm to accommodate new product signatures. These updates can be sent directly to installers’ mobile devices, via the Hager Pilot app, allowing them to connect to the AFDD through Bluetooth technology and perform a software upgrade. This changes the game, and uniquely eliminates the need to physically remove the device from the board, providing a quick and efficient resolution to any nuisance tripping.

RCBO & MCB Configurations

The single module-wide device will be available in both RCBO/AFDD and MCB/AFDD configurations and will be offered with Hager’s exclusive ProTools diagnostic software.

Country Marketing Leader, Ian Smith, explains why Hager has introduced both RCBO and MCB versions of the Single Module AFDD.

“It is a key part of our strategy that Hager devices are fully backwards compatible. So in addition to our RCBO/AFDD, we have an MCB/AFDD which enables Hager installers to upgrade existing MCB installations to AFDD on the appropriate circuits, without having to upgrade the whole installation to RCBO configuration.”

Extensive Testing

Benefitting from extensive field trials to guarantee best-in-class performance, Hager’s single module AFDD will provide installers with the ‘fit and forget’ reassurance they have come to expect from Hager products. Utilising existing feedback from over 5,000 two-module-wide units, Hager has further developed its algorithm following an additional field trial with 300 single module devices offering real-life feedback from these installations.

“With any new technology, it is important that any bugs or issues are resolved before launch. With AFDDs containing microprocessors, there are many complex algorithms, each of which creates its own waveform, that needs to be fully adapted to accommodate the abundance of electrical products available to the UK market. We are confident in the stability of our algorithm and platform. At the time when the device is mandated, Hager will have the market-leading offer in conjunction with our fantastic ProTools diagnostic software.”

Ian Smith concludes: “We have a strong focus on the professional electrician and we are changing the game with our AFDD. We have the right devices and support in place to ensure that AFDD installation is as straightforward as possible. We have used all of the time we can to ensure stability and performance are delivered with this new technology, supported with outstanding innovation should the need arise to upgrade the software. With orders accepted from mid-August for late September deliveries, we are looking forward to supporting our installers, increasing the safety of electrical installations in line with 18th Edition Amendment 2.”