A residual current device (RCD) is a safety device that switches off electricity automatically if there is a fault and are far more sensitive and give a greater degree of protection than normal fuses and circuit-breakers.
This means that that RCD’s can be a lifesaver, they constantly monitor electric current flowing along a circuit, and if it detects it flowing down an unintended path, such as through a person who has touched a live part, it will switch the circuit off very quickly, thereby significantly reducing the risk of death or serious injury.
Using electricity whilst wet significantly increases the risk of electric shock. If you are wet it makes it easier for the electricity to flow through you into the ground. This is when an RCD can help protect you from a shock in areas, such as in bathrooms and gardens, where you may be wet. It is very important to have RCD protection when using electrical equipment outdoors, without one a simple job like mowing the lawn could turn into a deadly disaster if you cut through a lead.
There are 3 main type of RCD.
Fixed RCDs – are installed in the consumer unit (fusebox) and can provide protection to individual or groups of circuits, this provides the highest level of protection as it constantly protects all circuit and any connected appliances.
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| Fixed RCD in consumers units, |
Socket-outlet RCDs – are built into a special socket-outlet that replaces a standard socket. This provides protection only to the person in contact with the equipment, including the leads, plugged into it.
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| RCD Socket-Outlet |
Portable RCDs – plug into any standard socket outlet. An appliance can then be plugged into the RCD. These are useful when neither fixed nor socket-outlet RCDs are available, but again they provide protection only to the person in contact with the equipment
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| Portable RCD |
The UK standard for the safety of electrical installations
In July 2008 a new edition of the UK standard for the safety of electrical installations, BS 7671: 2008, came into effect. These standards calls for virtually all circuits in new or rewired homes, or homes that have circuits added to be provided with additional protection by means of an RCD.
Testing RCDs
It is strongly recommended that you test all fixed and socket-outlet RCDs regularly (about every three months) by using the ‘test’ button built into them. Manufacturers recommend that portable RCDs are tested every time you use them.
Do not hold the test button in for a long time if the RCD does not trip. If the RCD does not switch off the supply when you use the test button, get advice from an electrician
A good tip is to always test your fixed RCDs when changing to and from daylight saving, as many electric clocks and timers have to be reset anyway.
Although RCD protection reduces the risk of death or injury from electric shock, it does not reduce the need to protect yourself, family and property by having your electrical wiring checked at least every 10 years. If you think there is a fault with your wiring or an appliance, stop using it immediately and contact an electrician.
If you would like to discuss, how RCD's can help protect you, pleas call me on my contact numbers. Tel 01772 879295, Mob 07704 213224, e-mail
jeservices@live.co.uk.
Until next time, thanks for taking the time to read this and don’t forget to let me know what you think, I will be glad to receive comments, good or bad.
Thanks again. Ian
24-Hour Emergency Call Out Service.
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