Residual Current Device and its Characteristics (RCD)

What is Residual Current Device (RCD)?

In case of a fault, a residual current device (RCD) shuts off the electrical supply. Compared to a standard circuit breaker it is more advanced. Faults such as damage to cables or short circuits will not result in an even flow of energy and it will trigger the circuit breaker instantly. It is an additional protection that in many workplaces is required by law and it never replaces other safety features like fuses.

In an electrical system unit, the devices are installed so that using the installation, wiring, and fixed appliances; they can give protection to the persons. You can achieve protection by having constant monitoring of the electric current that flows through one or more circuits that an RCD is used to protect. 

The RCCB Residual CurrentCircuit Breaker will switch off the circuit quickly if it finds that electricity is flowing down an unintentional path, such as via a person or faulty appliance down to earth along with reducing the risk of death, injury, or fire.

By three main characteristics RCDs are defined:

• The rating in amps
• The rated residual operating current of the protective device in amps
• Instant tripping takes place.

These devices are also said to ground fault circuit interrupters.

RCD has been specifically designed to protect employees from electrical shock. Many workplaces need this by law and it never replaces other safety features like fuses.

RCD consists of a test button and needs to be tested regularly. Regular testing of provided RCDs is done and in safeguarding against electrical hazards they are highly effective.

For detecting any leaking current a residual current device monitors your wiring installation permanently. It continuously measures the amount of current that passes through a wire in one direction, and even though a different wire is in the opposite direction.

Hager Residual Current Circuit Breaker breaks the circuit in case it detects a difference greater than 300 mA (milliamps), or less in certain cases.

If the current is missing, it indicates any kind of leak in the wiring installation. People are protected by residual current devices. Follow us on Twitter