RCDResidual Current

Device

Created by Clare,Huw and Conner.

What is RCD?

RCD stands for Residual Current Device. RCD is a life saving device which is designed to prevent you from getting an electric shock if you touch something that is live. RCD’s can also provide

protection against fire.

How Does It Work?

An RCD constantly monitors the electrical current flowing through a

circuit and if it detects that the current is flowing down the wrong path it will

switch the circuit off very quickly. Example- if someone touched it, the RCD will detect it and switch it off.

Cost

RCD’s cost as little as £10 depending on the type of RCD.

A fixed RCD will cost more but it will provide a greater degree of protection to help keep everyone safe.

Fixed RCD

This type of RCD is installed into the consumer unit (fuse box), this accounts for individual circuits and groups of circuits. A fixed RCD is the safest option of RCD as it protects all of the wiring and the socket.

Socket-outlet RCD

These RCDs are special socket-outputs with an RCD already built into them. This type of RCD offers less protection than a fixed RCD as it only protects the person in contact with the equipment.

Portable RCD

These plug into any standard socket-outlet, these RCDs like the socket outlet RCD only offers protection to the person and the lead.