All you Need to Know About Residual Current Devices

Nowadays, fitting an RCD has become a necessity for every house. Wait! Are you even aware of the term RCD? Don’t have any idea about it? Well, in this post, we will discuss what RCD (Residual Current Device) is, what are its benefits, its different types, and how it acts as a safer approach for daily lives. Well, let’s get started!

Understanding RCD

A residual current device is an important safety device that is designed to stay safe against the risk and is essential in every home. A residual current device continuously monitors the electrical current flow throughout the circuit. The device is even helpful in sensing if there are any faults present in the electrical system by turning off the flow of electricity on an automatic basis. And this sufficient in order to avoid any injury caused by electrocution and stay out of the risk zone. Thus, a residual current device acts as an important safety device in houses and even save the expenses spent on costly electrical services in case of any failure. The device works on the current balance principle.

Types of RCD Protection

Broadly, there are three types of RCD protection: fixed RCDs, portable RCDs, and socket RCDs. Let’s discuss them in detail:

Fixed RCDs

Fixed RCDs can be easily found in the consumer unit and offers protection to individuals or even a group of circuits. Deploying a fixed RCD in a consumer unit i.e. fuse box that offers you the complete protection for the house. The RCD Electrical regularly monitors and protects every single component of the circuit and detects all the faults that might arise in-between.

Portable RCDs

Offering an alternative to socket RCDs, these kinds of adapters are easy and simple to use and interchangeable for locations. It plugs in any sort of the standard socket outlets, which is then plugged into the appliance you are using.  These types of RCDs are commonly used for outdoor appliances, like a lawnmower and hedge trimmer. 

Socket RCDs

Socket RCD is a type of specially designed plug socket that has an in-built RCD. These RCDs are different from the standard RCDs and have different functionalities. A socket RCD protects the person who is in contact with an appliance plugged into the RCD socket.

How Can RCD Circuit Breakers Help You?

The easiest way to get a residual current device in your house is to fit RCD in the consumer unit and avoid the dangers during any faults. This helps you minimize the risk of electric shocks and possible fire damages to the house that might occur due to faulty wiring or unearthed appliances. They are designed carefully with high protection in order to avoid electrocution or electrical fires.

Relying on RCD circuit breakers can help you prevent circuit overloads as they regularly monitor the changes in life and the neutral wires. In case excessive current flows through the electrical wiring, the circuit breakers immediately cut off the power. In extreme cases, it is suggested to look for an experienced emergency electrician Perth to monitor the circuit overload. And you can’t neglect these things because it can result in a large fire and other damages.

Moreover, you must regularly carry out RCD testing to ensure the smooth and long-term working of the RCD. So, every time you use the RCD, test it whether it is working properly or not. If not daily, you must at least test the residual current device every three months and stay on the safer side and experience effective outputs.