HCM CITY — ABB launched its new arc fault detection device (AFDD)  to reduce fire risks and protect people and buildings, as accidental fires caused by electrical installation faults continue to rise globally.

ABB’s AFDDs are extremely sensitive and uniquely designed to detect promptly and accurately dangerous electrical arcs that traditional safety devices may not catch. Fully compliant with the latest international safety standards, IEC 60364-4-42, they are recommended across a wide range of residential and commercial applications.

ABB’s latest arc fault detection products, S-ARC1 and DS-ARC1, provide maximum safety in all types of buildings by detecting arc faults early and disconnecting the affected circuit. Thanks to this new series, the most common hazards stemming from electrical installation disruptions can be identified in advance, significantly reducing the risk of fire damage.

“As Việt Nam undergoes rapid urbanisation with growing construction across residential, commercial and industrial sectors, we see the pressing need for advanced electrical safety. In this context, arc fault protection solutions are critical to ensuring the safety and resilience of modern infrastructure. ABB’s AFDD solutions will deliver maximum safety in buildings, helping protect people and assets for our customers in the Vietnamese market,” said Vice President, Smart Buildings Division, ABB Vietnam, Đoàn Văn Hiển.

According to the Vietnam Fire and Rescue Police Department, 4,112 fire incidents were reported nationwide in 2024 and of the 2,503 cases investigated, 1,873 (74.83 per cent) were attributed to faults in electrical systems and equipment. This highlights the urgent need to improve fire protection in electrical residential and commercial installations.

Among the fire incidents resulting from electrical system faults, the majority are due to dangerous arc faults. Damaged cable insulation, which can easily happen with age, improper use or installation, or even bites from rodents, can result in arc faults. If the power is not immediately interrupted, this discharge generates heat, which can start a fire. — VNS