Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. announced that it has expanded its full residential line of award-winning Combination Type Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (CAFCIs) to include an Intelli-Arc Diagnostic Tool.

Diagnosing the cause of AFCI trips can be confusing, but the new Intelli-Arc Diagnostic Tool and the unique trip indicators built into every Siemens AFCI help electricians pinpoint the fault that caused the breaker to trip. The new diagnostic device makes it easier to troubleshoot AFCI circuits by improving troubleshooting accuracy and reducing the number of visits to the problem site. The diagnostic tool can be used with any circuit breaker, regardless of brand.

Currently AFCI protection devices only monitor and protect branch circuits in the home against arc faults. Although the LEDs on the Siemens Combination Type AFCIs can help to point an electrician in the right direction, the AFCIs do not pinpoint the portion of the branch circuit that contained the fault. Arc faults are often intermittent, which can make troubleshooting the branch circuit very difficult. In these cases, it is important to determine whether the fault condition exists in the permanent wiring, the connected equipment or a power cord.

The Siemens Intelli-Arc Diagnostic Tool helps to accurately determine the circuit in which a fault has occurred. When used in conjunction with good troubleshooting techniques, this tool enables the electrical contractor to determine and locate the root cause or source of the fault. The device also provides information including the type and magnitude
of the fault. Since the fault may not cause an AFCI to trip for various reasons such as the duration is too short or the current level is too low, the tool provides an indication showing how close an event is to causing an AFCI to trip.

“Arc faults are extremely dangerous because they generally occur in wiring that is behind drywall or in attics, going undetected until a fire breaks out. This is why Siemens is continuing to invest in research and development of arc fault technology,” said Kevin Yates, vice president, Residential Products Division, Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. “Siemens ability to be the first to market with the Intelli-Arc Diagnostic Tool is a testament to our commitment to providing our customers with the most advanced technology in home electrical safety." Please contact your Hutt Electric Supply sales person for more information.