Guide to RCD Electrical Safety Switches: All You Need To Know

Author : orionelectricalandlightingdesignadmin

Getting RCD Electrical Safety switches installed in your house is an essential task. Ensure the safety of your family in the long run. Without RCD Electrical Safety switches, everyday tasks, using electrical appliances could turn disastrous in a blink of an eye. Orion is an Emergency Electricianprovider. Our certified electricians will be available 24/7 in Melbourne for any electrical related issues or doubt you might be having.

Essentially, residual current devices (RCDs) are used for protection against direct and indirect contacts. An RCD prevents you from receiving electric shocks if you were to touch a live wire. RCDs provide protection from electricity ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers cannot offer.

The RCD is a device that automatically switches off the electricity running through if there is a fault. It operates by continually monitoring the electric current flowing through circuits. If any electricity is detected going through a path that is not intended, the RCD will stop the electricity from flowing through within 20 milliseconds.

For the usual types of RCD use within a household, there are only five different types of RCDs

Within a household, there are only approximately five different types of RCDs.

RCCB (Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker)

An RCCB is a device that is used to make, carry and break currents under common conditions. However, it is not designed to defend against overloads or short-circuits. These types of RCDs must be used alongside an overcurrent protective device, for example, a fuse or circuit breaker.

RCBO (Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker)

An RCBO is a device that is used to make, carry and break currents under common conditions. In addition to this, it is intended to provide protection against overloads and short-circuits. This means that it does not have to be used alongside an overcurrent protective device like the RCCB.

SRCD (Socket-Outlet incorporating a Residual Current Device)

An SRCD is an outlet used for fixed installations. It uses an integral sensing circuit which automatically causes the contacts to open at a predetermined value of residual current.

FCURCD (Fused Connection Unit incorporating a Residual Current Device)

A fused connection unit used for fixed installations uses an integral sensing circuit which automatically causes the contacts to open at a predetermined value of residual current.

PRCD (Portable Residual Current Device)

A plug with a residual current device and one or more socket-outlets. They may have overcurrent protection.

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