Detection performance of arcing fault detectors in the Chinese market according to the Chinese Standard GB/T 31143

There are two sets of standards available in the Chinese market that specify the design requirements and operating tests for arc fault detection devices (GB/T 31143) and arcing fault detectors (GB 14287.4) respectively. While arcing fault detectors (AFDs) are claimed to have passed GB 14287.4 standard tests, it remains unclear whether these AFDs can pass GB/T 31143 standards and effectively detect arc fault signals. This study experiments to explore the operational performance of AFDs in the Chinese market based on GB/T 31143 standards, revealing that not all AFDs can pass this test and provide adequate protection for people's lives and property. The main reason for the failure is that the arcing characteristics, such as flat shoulders and reduced amplitude, of the signal are easily masked by other branch circuit loads.