What is a residual current device?
A Residual Current Device (RCD) is an essential safety device that automatically cuts off the electricity if there is a problem. An RCD is a quick mover. It detects a problem before you even realise there is one and cuts the power in a split second.
For example, if you were mowing your lawn with an electric mower and accidentally cut through the wire, the RCD would activate and save your life. If you went out and left your washing machine running and it developed a fault, the RCD could save your home from burning to the ground. According to the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service, around 7,000 fires are caused annually in the UK by faulty electrics, appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets.
You may be wondering what the point of an RCD is when fuses and circuit breakers also cut the power if a problem develops. The fact is that an RCD is far more sensitive. It will activate immediately in the event of a problem, whereas a fuse or circuit breaker is not guaranteed to react fast enough.
A fixed RCD device has been fitted to virtually all circuits in new or rewired houses since July 2008. If you have one fitted, that is great. If you haven’t, it is highly recommended that you do so to stay electrically safe in your home.
If you have an RCD, you must test it regularly. They are 97% effective, but in the same way you test your fire alarm weekly, it is worth getting into the habit of testing your RCD every three months. Hold the test button for a few seconds and the electricity supply should cut out. If it does not, seek advice from a qualified, registered electrician.
Two other types of RCD devices are found within homes: RCD sockets and portable RCDs. These should be tested each time they are used.
RCD sockets replace standard sockets and provide RCD protection for anyone using electrical equipment plugged into those sockets. A portable RCD is plugged into a conventional socket and provides RCD protection to the person who plugs their electrical equipment into the socket. The advantage to these is that they can be moved around and used for riskier jobs such as lawn mowing or on higher power appliances such as kettles.
Remember – RCD sockets and portable RCDs only protect the person using the appliances plugged into them. They don’t protect the whole household. However, some RCD protection is better than none. If you do not have the budget to install fixed RCD protection for your home, it is advisable to buy a few portable RCDs, particularly for use in the garden.
Crannis Technology Services Ltd are here to help you with all your electrical needs. Give our friendly team a call today on 01793 629629.
For further reading on ways to keep your home safe check our previous blogs: Is Your Home Electrically Safe? Here’s What You Need to Know , How to use electrical appliances safely in your home, Are your plugs properly maintained?
