An Overview on RCDs and Their Importance in Safety for Domestic Homes and Small Commercial Factories

30 April 2020

The electrical supply found on a home or a building is normally managed by professionals who know how to work with and install the wirings, protection devices, and other related components. Aside from providing optimum power, some devices that are attached to the electrical supply play an integral part in the overall safety of people, devices and equipment, and the property itself.

The Main Role of Residual-Current Devices

One device that can be useful for a domestic house or a commercial building is the residual-current device (RCD). It is an electrocution protection device that quickly breaks an electrical circuit to prevent a person from experiencing a fatal electric shock. This device intends to automatically disconnect a circuit from the electric source when it detects abnormal electric current between the supply and return conductors of a circuit.

The RCD is installed to constantly monitor the electric current flowing through one or more circuits. If the device has detected that the electricity is flowing down an unintended path, such as through a person, it will automatically switch the circuit off.

Any difference between the currents in these conductors can cause leakage current and may lead to a serious shock hazard for the people. In fact, receiving around 30 mA of current on our human body, even just a small fraction of a second can be very dangerous as this amount of current can trigger cardiac arrest or any other serious harm.

Benefits of Using Residual-Current Devices 

Since RCDs can easily detect abnormalities on an electrical circuit, they can outright save lives and properties. Even if you have already touched a live bare wire, this specific device can immediately cut off the electric current to prevent the dangers of electric shock. When you accidentally cut through the cable of a tool or appliance, this device can automatically cut off electricity. The same function applies when you accidentally touched exposed live wires.

Another benefit of using RCD is that it can protect your property against electrical fires as they can detect abnormal levels of current in your electrical system. RCDs are much more effective than using ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers, so expect your home or a commercial building to be safe from the dangers caused by faulty overheating appliances or sudden power fluctuations. When the electric current from your devices flows to earth, you can rely on RCDs to cut the current off right away.

Reliability and Application of RCDs 

RCDs are known for their reliability and effectiveness. Authorities have even required the installation of RCDs in every circuit, making these devices the new safety standard of electrical systems. With these devices, the chances of getting electric shock among you, your family members, or your workers will be drastically minimised.

Domestic houses and other residential homes can benefit the most from installing RCDs since these properties own a lot of appliances and devices. Frequent charging of phones and laptops is also prevalent in homes. Aside from homes, RCDs are also best utilised by business owners who own small commercial factories, stores, and shops.

The number of RCDs required will depend on your circuit needs and structure. If you only use one RCD on all your circuits, then expect to lose power to all of them once it cuts off the electricity. To avoid this from happening, you may want to install one RCD for your lighting circuit and another RCD for your power circuit.

With the installation of RCDs, you can help save lives and protect your home or business. For your RCD installation needs, just contact us at Electrical & Data Networks. We can provide a full range of electrical, data and security services for commercial and residential buildings here in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

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