I regularly read the comments that my followers leave. Just the other day I came across a comment from one reader, in which he asked to raise the topic of RCDs. These devices are prohibited in all countries except Russia. In one article, I somehow casually mentioned an RCD, but now I decided to delve into this topic.
What is it?
An RCD is a differential current switch (RCD) that protects against differential currents, but not overcurrents.
I agree that this phrase sounds too clever and incomprehensible, so I will explain it differently. An RCD can protect a person from electric shock, it also prevents current leaks, but such a switch does not exclude the risk of overload and short circuit.
Types of RCDs and fundamental differences
RCDs are of the following types: electromechanical and fully electronic. The difference between the two is how they work:
- electronic switches are triggered when the zero is broken;
- electromechanical - do not work.
How can this be explained? Electronic switches have a power supply. If there is no zero, it will not work. It turns out that the RCD will not work if a leak occurs from the phase.
In our country today you can buy various types of RCDs. Whereas in other countries with a higher level of development (Italy, Finland, Germany, etc.), these switches are prohibited.
It is clear that they are inexpensive - this is their main advantage. However, an RCD is not able to save a person at the right time. And this is a huge disadvantage that overshadows all the advantages.
So is it possible to install electronic RCDs?
According to the regulations in force in Russia, electronic switches can be used. Let's face it: our country doesn't care much about its citizens. If the consumer receives insufficient protection, this is his problem.
When a house or apartment is disconnected from electricity, first of all, you need to check if there is voltage in the shield. Only then can you touch any electrical appliances.
But consumers don't always follow the rules. They think that if the electricity is turned off, then you can safely "climb" into any devices. At the same time, they do not take into account that electricity may not only be at zero.
In an emergency, when, for example, the heating element of the boiler has broken through, it can be very dangerous. Even grounding will not save. An RCD without zero will not work in this case. It turns out that the meaning of using an RCD is lost, because it cannot provide adequate protection to the user.
Thank you for having the patience to read the article to the end! Hope it was helpful to you.
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