answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The purpose of a residual current device (RCD) is to compare the currents in live and neutral wires. These should be the same. If they are not, then current must be flowing to earth- perhaps through someone touching an exposed wire. The RCD senses the difference and switches off the current before any harm can be done.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

Some advantages of residual current circuit breakers are that they can detect an imbalance in current, add a level of safety, and are easy to install. Disadvantages include higher costs and a more difficult installation.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

RCD's detect earth currents an disconnect the power, this prevents electric shock when a fault happens.

They can be prone to false triggering.

But best be safe than sorry.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the purpose of a residual current device?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What is a residual current detector?

It is another name for a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) which is the name used in North America for an RCD (Residual Current Device) as it is known in Europe and elsewhere in the World.For more information take a look at the page reached by the Related Link - and the answers to the Related Questions - which are shown below.


What do tripped circuit breaker and blown fuses indicate?

Blown fuses indicate overload in the electrical circuit. Possible short-circuit or higher input voltage.Tripped circuit breakers I guess means:A residual-current device (RCD), similar to a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) which is used for breaking the circuit when electric current pass through a man or could cause fire/burning in the/near the electrical sockets.


Why is an Residual current device better than a wire fuse?

- Using an RCD is better than a fuse because it requires no replacement sacrificial metal strip. Also, more reliable and reacts more quickly to cut the circuit (can detect quickly since it is a more sensitive device).


What difference in current amperage makes an RCD trip?

RCD stands - Residual Current Device. Normally It measures current on phase & neutral and if there is any change or difference (Should be Phase I - Neutral I = Zero) even 30mAmps RCD trips to break the circuit to avaoid any damages to equipments as well as human beings. Its same as ELECB / RCCB.


What is the purpose of a child tracking device?

The purpose of a child tracking device is to know where your child is at all times. This device can come in handy when it comes to missing children or in the event that your child might be in danger.

Related questions

What is a rccb?

A residual-current device (RCD), or residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB), is an electrical wiring device that disconnects a circuit whenever it detects that the electric currents not balanced between the energized conductor and the return neutral conductor.


What is rccb?

A residual-current device (RCD), or residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB), is an electrical wiring device that disconnects a circuit whenever it detects that the electric currents not balanced between the energized conductor and the return neutral conductor.


What does it mean RCD?

Residual Current Device. Also known as an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker or a Safety Switch


What is residual curent?

Residual current as in a residual current device or RCD (sometimes known as a earth leakage detector), refers to the current both entering and leaving a circuit. If more current flows into a circuit then comes out (if there is a ground fault or if someone gets a shock) the RCD will switch off the circuit. Typically the current required to trip a RCD is around 5-20mA, however even 5 mA can be enough to stop your heart, so RCDs are a good safety device but should not be relied on.


What is a residual current detector?

It is another name for a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) which is the name used in North America for an RCD (Residual Current Device) as it is known in Europe and elsewhere in the World.For more information take a look at the page reached by the Related Link - and the answers to the Related Questions - which are shown below.


What is purpose of demagnetizing test during current transformer test?

The residual magnetisation present in the current transformer coils may cause the errors during measurement of high currents. So that it is necessary to check that.


Rcds in electrics?

If you mean: "What does Rcd's in electrics stand for?" It means Residual Current Device, which protects household sockets If your question means something else, you should make it clearer. you =P


What is an rcbo?

It stands for " Residual Current Circuit Breaker "


What is the fullform of rccb?

Residual Current Circuit Breaker


What is the purpose of Slip Rings?

To facilitate the conveyance of electrical current and/or signals between the static and rotating parts of a device.


What do tripped breakers and blown fuses indicate?

Blown fuses indicate overload in the electrical circuit. Possible short-circuit or higher input voltage.Tripped circuit breakers I guess means:A residual-current device (RCD), similar to a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) which is used for breaking the circuit when electric current pass through a man or could cause fire/burning in the/near the electrical sockets.


What do Tripped circuits and blown fuses indicate?

Blown fuses indicate overload in the electrical circuit. Possible short-circuit or higher input voltage.Tripped circuit breakers I guess means:A residual-current device (RCD), similar to a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) which is used for breaking the circuit when electric current pass through a man or could cause fire/burning in the/near the electrical sockets.