A residual current device (RCD) is different from a circuit breaker, which is commonly called a fus.
The acronym RCD stands for Residual Current Device. RCD is described as an electrical device designed to prevent potential hazards such as of electrocution and electric shock. The use of an RCD switch can equally prevent electric fires. In some life-threatening situations that have to do with electrical faults ( such as touching a live wire), an RCD switch helps by providing a prompt power cut-off. With RCDs, protection against any potential injury can be guaranteed when electrical faults happen in an instant.
As a safety switch, an RCD it works by monitoring from time to time the inflow of electrical current in both the active and neutral wires.
When the conditions are normal, the amount of power flowing through both electrical wires is the same - in a situation where an electrical fault occurs, there will definitely an imbalance in the amount of current.
The work of a residual current device is to detect immediately the imbalance and automatically cut off the power before it becomes a major electrical problem.A residual current device (RCD) is different from a circuit breaker, usually called a fuse. The main difference between both is that the former helps keep people safe by protecting from electrical accidents and the circuit breaker or fuse protects electrical systems and wiring in the house.
An RCD helps monitor how electricity flows through a circuit and locates when imbalances occur in the neutral and live wires. The moment the imbalances are detected by RCD switches, they are activated and minimize the risk of electric shock by cutting off the electricity supply as fast as possible.
A circuit breaker helps protect the electrical circuits in your house. It works by cutting the power the moment a high current fault, overload (plugging too many appliances into one power point), and short circuit is detected.
One of the common causes of frequent tripping of the RCD is a faulty electrical appliance. When an electrical appliance becomes faulty, there is the possibility that it can be dangerous to use. This same appliance that fails to function correctly could affect your RCD switch making it tripping frequently. To confirm this issue, you can reset your RCD after unplugging your electrical devices. Try to reset the switch every time a new appliance is is plugged in. If your RCD trips, it will be easy to find which appliance (such as a kettle, washing machine, dishwasher, or fridge and freezer) has an issue. Tripping may also be caused by an electrical circuit in your home and the safety switch may be cutting off the power. If the building has older wiring it can make the environment dangerous for all. If your RCD is faulty it can trip frequently. If you have a problem resetting your RCD after it trips or it trips after you have reset it, it may be that something is wrong with the device itself and may warrant a replacement.
To know if the device installed in your home is a safety switch or a circuit breaker, check the electrical box to see the markings. A licensed electrician usually writes "safety switch", " fuse", and "circuit breaker".
In case there is no marking, you can check the switches to see if they have a Test button or "T"— if you see this, it is a safety switch.
It is very important that you know the appropriate type of RCD you need in your home. There are different types of RCD switches, including Residual Current Circuit Breaker, Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overload Protection, Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker, and Portable Residual Current Device. Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) helps stops the flow of power by breaking the circuit the moment an earth leakage is detected. Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overload Protection (RCBO) offers maximum protection against short circuit, earth leakage, and circuit overloads. Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) helps avoid every chance of electrical shock. A Portable Residual Current Device is usually made up of a plug connected to an RCD box with a single socket outlet or more.