Why is it important to use RCD?
An additional means of protection against electric shock, as well as against fires and ignitions, can be called a residual current device.
The RCD will promptly respond to any damage to the insulation, short circuit and current leakage to the ground. Short circuits are most often caused by insulation defects. In the event of a current leakage, the RCD will prevent a short circuit and disconnect the electrical installation from the power source.
RCD controls the flow of electricity into and out of the apartment. If these values are different, the RCD will turn off the voltage.
Massively began to use these devices in the 70s of the last century. These were mainly the countries of Western Europe, Japan and the USA. Today, hundreds of millions of RCDs protect people’s lives and their property around the world. Any electrical installations – commercial vans, garages and hangars, as well as any industrial and social – household equipment are equipped with an RCD element.
Manufacturers of such devices are constantly working to improve their products, develop new protection devices, improving their technical characteristics.
RCDs are available in two types – A and AC. To respond to leakage only alternating (sinusoidal) current, type AC is used. But the leakage can be DC. Therefore, it is more expedient to purchase an RCD of type A, even if they are 1.5 times more expensive in cost.
There are products designed to be placed on the switchboard. They also produce products built into electrical outlets. They are installed in place of the outlet or inserted into a working outlet, and then an electrical appliance is turned on in it. Such devices make it possible not to change the wiring in old houses and be calm – the installation will not allow a short circuit and turn off the electricity in time.
A common means of protection is differential automata, which prevent current leakage to the ground, respond to overloads and short circuits.
You should always be afraid of short circuits – this not only harms your home and household appliances, but can also lead to many other undesirable consequences.