Have you ever heard about different residual current devices? Do you have any idea about what happens inside your safety switches? If not, do not worry at all. In this blog, we are here with all the necessary information regarding different types of residual current devices.
Residual Current Devices
Residual current devices are devices that people use for the safety of switches. They are designed and developed to protect basic forms as mentioned below;
- Fault Protection – in case of tripping currents
- Fire Protection – for currents not more than 300 mA
- Additional Protection – for RCDs affording less current, usually 30 mA
Construction of RCD
RCD is designed with coils of wires that are wound around a ferrite toroid core.
Uses of RCD
An RCD monitors the earth leakage and plays the role of safety guard. When there is leakage or a current imbalance, it detects immediately. It induces a volt into the tripping coil that disconnects the electrical supply immediately. RCD provides greater protection to the switches, but you must ensure the safety measures too. To ensure all safety measures, you must have the necessary information and knowledge regarding different types of RCDs.
Different Types
RCCB
Residual current circuit breakers break the circuit and stop the current flow when there is earth leakage. They do not give any response to the short circuits. There are a few issues in which there is over current. You need an additional breaker to handle such issues. An additional breaker is attached with the RCCB to respond to the short or over current issues. It provides maximum safety and protection to your switches and circuits.
RCBO
It is just like RCCB but with an additional feature. RCBO gives protection to the short circuits and over currents too. You can use RCBO without any additional breaker to managing overload situations.
SRCD
It is a socket outlet that is used for fixed installations. It will cause the switching contact in the main circuit to open the value for residual current.
Wave Form Types of RCD
These RCDs are classified as waveform RCD that help people identify the current type of RCD. These types are;
Type A RCD
Type A RCD is best for circuits that use AC and DC power. Type A RCDs are used for inverters, power supplies, induction hobs, charging equipment for electric vehicles, IT equipment, and lighting equipment such as dimmers and LED drivers. These devices are also suitable for Type AC appliances.
Type AC RCD
These RCDs get to trip on the sinusoidal residual current. Type AC RCDs are used to protect electrical equipment that is resistive and inductive. Suitable circuits for Type AC RCD are electric showers, hob, oven, heater, and tungsten lighting.
Type B RCD
This type of RCD responds to the higher frequency currents. They are typically used for single and three phase electrical appliances. Type B RCDs are used for equipment such as inverters, lifts, welding equipment, chargers for electric vehicles, escalators, uninterrupted power supply (UPS), and industrial machines. These devices are also suitable for Type AC, Type A, and Type F appliances.
Type F RCD
Type F RCD is prepared to provide maximum protection against residual fault currents. They secure damages caused due to composite frequencies. Type F RCDs are typically used for appliances that control frequency. Type F RCDs can be used for equipment such as air conditioners, power tools, dishwashers, tumble driers, and washing machines. These devices are also suitable for Type AC and Type A appliances.
Important Instructions
You must follow a few important instructions to ensure your switches’ safety and long life. These instructions are given below.
- Try to invest in regular testing of your circuits to check and ensure they are working properly. You can do this with RCD testers easily.
- Buy circuit breakers such as type B RCD, EV RCD, type EV RCD, type A RCD, type B RCCB from a reliable and trustworthy source in the market.
- type b rcd, ev rcd, type ev rcd, type a rcd, type b rccb
- Select a suitable RCD while keeping in mind the equipment of appliances to be used within the installation.
Testing Requirements for RCDs
- Before you test your devices, ensure that all devices are maintained properly. If you are testing yourself, you must have all tools with you. If you are hiring a source that can test your devices, ensure that you are hiring a service provider who follows and meets your country’s applied standards.
- Ensure that you have the equipment to fulfill your needs in the office or home.
- Get the inspection report from the person. Make sure that the report contains all information about your RCDs.
Hazards and Limitations
This is the current practice to install a consumer unit with an already connected RCD. These consumer units can be Type AC that may have issues due to residual DC faults. Many installers think that AC type RCDs are good for all kinds of installations, but unfortunately, that is not true.
The latest electrical appliances are designed through in-depth research, and the developers have taken great care of their design and installation parameters. In the current era, electrical appliances are more sophisticated and have great technological features. Developers have focused more on energy reduction to minimize electricity bills. They took energy saving measures to reduce the DC residual faults in the current supply.
Final Words
So, that is it! This is all about RCDs. Never assume that an AC type is good for all kinds of installation. Be careful when choosing an RCD for your home or office appliances. If you still have questions and are confused, you may ask someone for help. There are a lot of service providers in the market. Choose the best service provider with a good market reputation, professional experience, and positive customer feedback. Remember that electricity is necessary for your daily tasks at home and business operations in the office. So you must never compromise on electricity related matters for smooth working at home or office.
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