Installing AFDDs in Domestic Property

Question

I'm a homeowner with a 1954 property that was rewired in the 90s. I'm looking to upgrade the consumer unit and have been considering AFDDs on all circuits to help protect the older wiring.

But I’ve noticed many electricians seem reluctant to install AFDDs in domestic properties. Aside from the cost, is there a reason for the hesitation? Are you concerned about false tripping, callbacks, or the complexity of diagnosing issues? Or is it just that AFDDs are still relatively unfamiliar tech for some in the trade?

I’d really appreciate hearing from electricians who’ve installed them—especially in older homes. Are they worth the investment in your view?

Andrew · Answer

So there are several different types of AFDDs. The first is that which protects against lightening strikes. The next protects vulnerable equipment on a specific circuit. Generally, the second requires modification of the existing consumer unit or addition of a little module to the side which contains the AFDD and a protective device for the AFDD. The challenge is that to do this one needs to disconnect the incoming supply from your power company. That means additional steps in contacting them and asking them to insert a device that switches off incoming supply. Some electricians would prefer to take the work if the entire consumer unit gets upgraded to make the job 'worth their while'. AFDDs are not essential in normal homes but they have become statutory in buildings of multiple occupancy as are arc detection devices. If you have a good consumer unit with each circuit protected by its own RCBO (the best set up) then AFDDs are not essential.

Antony · Answer

No they are not necessary rcbos are all that's needed every good make of current fuseboard is sufficient

Ashley · Answer

The main reason I don’t is the cost and the need not to have them. These are of course compliant in some areas and a lot of housing association are fitting these in the homes already. They believe the upcoming regulations may make this mandatory. Where I have fitted them I have had nuisance tripping and finding appliances even at new, example microwaves will make these trip regularly but not every time. I’m no a fan,  I don’t feel it’s worth the investment. I wouldn’t fit these in my own home untill it was a requirement. That should answer the question really

James · Answer

Hi,
Generally you wouldn’t put AFDD ‘s on each circuit in a domestic property as they are not necessarily required. You can fit one at origin of the circuits ( ie 1 to ‘look after ‘ the installation) and these are becoming more common 
Testing and fault finding can be a reason people don’t won’t to fit on all circuits but definitely worth fitting one to protect the whole installation.
James JRP electrical Services

Duncan · Answer

The wiring regulations don’t normally require a domestic property to have AFDDs fitted, they are required in accommodation with higher risks such as hotels and HMOs. However they can be quite useful in that they can detect arching across loose connections before a significant fault or over heating occurs. You mentioned your “old wiring”, personally I would recommend that if there were concerns that older wiring is developing arcing faults then it would be more appropriate to advise rewiring the affected circuits. 
In terms of why are the sparkies not keen on doing it, well all the reasons you mentioned are possible and relevant but for me it’s about advising that good wiring in a house shouldn’t need arc fault protection and if you have bad wiring then you should replace it, and if affordable with a new AFDD consumer unit to go with your new wiring.
I hope my point of view is useful to you.

Sabir · Answer

I would recommend to rewire the circuit and put on Rcbo’s it’s the best option.

Nicolae · Answer

Hi simple as that, if new AFDD breakers will trip, you will need rewiring of circuits, if not trip means circuits are still good

Rowan · Answer

good afternoon, no personally I recommend afdds on all circuits especially in rented accommodation however cost is normally an issue with customers and it is a little more work which is inconvenient, but the safety and segregation of circuits is superior; so I personally have no problem fitting affds in domestic properties.

Installing AFDDs in Domestic Property

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