ABB strengthens fire protection in Vietnam’s buildings with new arc fault detection devices

• More than 74.8 percent of Vietnam's 2024 fire incidents were caused by electrical faults, highlighting an urgent safety concern
• ABB's new Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) offer advanced protection by identifying and neutralizing dangerous electrical arcs before they cause fires
• The latest S-ARC1 and DS-ARC1 models deliver comprehensive safety for all building types, from homes to high-risk commercial spaces

ABB launches its new Arc Fault Detection Device (AFDD) solutions to reduce fire risks and protect people and valuable assets, as accidental fires caused by electrical installation faults continue to rise globally.

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 percent) were attributed to faults in electrical systems and equipment, causing significant damage to lives and property. This highlights the urgent need to improve fire protection in electrical residential and commercial installations.

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.

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.

Drawing on its extensive expertise in home and building safety, ABB’s latest AFDDs 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.

Commenting on the launch, Hien DoanVan, Vice President, Smart Buildings Division, ABB Vietnam, said: “Customer protection remains at the core of ABB’s innovation strategy and product philosophy. It also drives our commitment to developing smarter solutions for building electrical installations. As Vietnam undergoes rapid urbanization 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.”

The AFDD solutions are ideal for use in a range of installations – from bedrooms and common rooms in schools, hospitals and care homes; to buildings with high fire risks, such as production facilities and manufacturing plants, household goods stores, and culturally important venues including museums, libraries and art galleries.

The DS-ARC1 in particular is the most comprehensive model in the AFDD range, offering full protection against all types of arc faults – including series arc faults that could go undetected by traditional MCBs and RCDs. It is cost-effective to install and provides comprehensive circuit protection to safeguard buildings and their users.

Continuing its legacy in power protection since the patent of the first resettable Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) 101 years ago, ABB has expanded its portfolio with advanced solutions that enhance electrical installations, making buildings around the world safer, smarter, and more sustainable.

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com

ABB Electrification is a global technology leader enabling the efficient and reliable distribution of electricity from source to socket. With more than 50,000 employees across 100 countries, we collaborate with our customers and partners to solve the world’s greatest challenges in electrical distribution and energy management. As the energy transition accelerates and electricity demands grow, we are electrifying the world in a safe, smart and sustainable way. At ABB, we are ‘Engineered to Outrun’, and we are passionate about helping our customers and partners do the same. go.abb/electrification