AFDDs with reduced carbon footprint

To reduce the carbon footprint of its AFDDs (Arc Fault Detection Devices), Hager Group has selected Latieco materials from Lati. At the heart of every AFDD lies a sophisticated electronic arc detection system that continuously monitors the electrical signal on the main line, identifying the unique patterns that indicate the presence of an arc fault. Upon such detection, the device immediately opens the circuit, effectively preventing the arc from becoming a fire hazard. The perfect functioning of the device is therefore fundamental, whilst ensuring that electrical installations remain safe without compromise.

Hager Group is a leading supplier of solutions and services for electrical installations in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Its range of solutions and services spans from power distribution to cable management and from security systems to building automation. To decarbonise both its operations and its products, the company aims to reduce its direct CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030, in line with Science-Based Targets. For this reason, it has decided to adopt the new self-extinguishing and reinforced compounds belonging to Lati's Latieco family, materials that draw inspiration from the most successful compounds in Lati's portfolio, from structural to self-extinguishing, from self-lubricating to conductive.

In this specific case, Hager's choice fell upon Latieco 66 MR H2 G/25-V0HF1, a compound containing a significant proportion of PA 66 base polymer obtained from mechanical recycling of post-industrial waste. The polymer is then reinforced with 25% glass fibre and rendered self-extinguishing without the use of halogens or red phosphorus. This is obviously a formulation completely free from PFAS. The selected material maintains all the most important properties of the original grade obtained from fossil sources: self-extinguishing behaviour and GWFI values of 960 °C at 1 and 2 mm, alongside excellent resistance to tracking currents with a tracking index of 600 V. The excellent flame performance and mechanical behaviour convinced Hager to introduce Latieco into the AFDD series. With the Latieco 66 MR H2 G/25-V0HF1 version, the carbon footprint relating to the plastic material used is reduced by approximately 20% compared to the analogous fossil-derived compound, Latamid 66 H2 G/25-V0HF1.