RCDs Explained

In this blog we’re talking about RCDs, or residual current devices, and explaining what they are and what purpose they serve. It’s important to have some basic understanding of what they are and how they work because they’re so important. In fact, having them in your home could save your life or that of a member of your family. 

As we’ve seen, RCD stands for residual current device.

It’s been designed as a life saving device to prevent accidents caused by electricity. They can prevent anything from electrical house fires to electric shocks, which can happen when you touch something live by mistake, and is often caused by exposed wiring. An RCD can also offer some protection from electrical fires which are far more common that many of us realise. 

What does an RCD do?

Basically an RCD will switch off the electricity supply whenever it detects a fault, so you’re much less likely to get an electrical shock. It was initially designed to prevent you from getting a shock from exposed wiring and faulty appliances when they overheat and it does an excellent job of doing exactly that. It can even detect the flow of electricity from an undetected source, for instance if it’s been rerouted by mistake. The RCD device will shut the circuit off quickly and this will reduce the chance of serious harm or even death.

There are different types of RCD.

Fixed RCDs will be found in a conventional fusebox, providing protection to groups as well as individual circuits. This is one of the very highest level of protection as it will safeguard all of the sockets and wiring within that circuit and also any connected appliances. 

Socket outlet RCDs.

Socket outlet RCDs are sockets with the RCDs built in them and they can be used instead of the usual standard socket outlets. An RCD of this kind will provide protection to the person in contact with it and will include the lead wire attached to the socket-outlet.

Portable RCDs will plug into any socket.

You can use these with your appliances and plug them into the RCD. They’re found to be very useful when the other two types of RCDs are not available. Again they give protection to the person using it, and again includes the lead. 

RCDS - a reliable source of protection.

RCDs provide a reliable source of protection and are almost foolproof. It’s important to have them tested regularly and that way they’ll be even more effective. Just think of the protection they offer your family against shocks, serious accidents and electrical house fires, and you’ll see how worthwhile they are to have in your home. 

The effectiveness of RCDs and the importance of electrical vigilance.

Keep in mind that it’s still important to act sensibly around electrical appliances and all electrical outputs because RCDs reduce the risk of death and injury but they do not entirely eradicate it. You should always have your wiring checked every few years, and you should also keep an eye on your appliances and check them regularly through the use of PAT testing. This is one of the services we offer here at VC Electrical and can only be carried out by registered electricians.

VC Electrical - Expert Electricians

If you’d like us to help you with wiring checks, PAT testing or perhaps you’re thinking of having an EICR report carried out, then get in touch with us here at VC Electrical, a team of registered, qualified and experienced electricians. Give us a call if you have any questions about what we’ve talked about today, and one of our friendly team members will be happy to help you.