There are many terms that we often use to describe Domestic Consumer Units and Circuit Protection Devices. These terms include Residual Current Devices (RCDs), Cartridge Fuses, Distribution Boards and Disconnecting switch. Let us take a look at each of these terms to understand how these devices function. You will also learn how to use a disconnection switch to turn off electrical equipment in your home.
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
The term residual current device is used to refer to a protective circuit or breaker that is designed to prevent electrical shocks from happening to consumers. Its other names include ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI), safety switches, and residual current devices. Regardless of their name, each of these components plays an important role in preventing electrical shocks and is important for homeowners to understand where they can find them during an electrical emergency.
Cartridge Fuses
Generally speaking, the best way to protect against overcurrents is to use a circuit breaker or cartridge fuse. Both types of devices use the same principles to protect against surges. The fuse element is made of metal or an alloy that provides predictable characteristics. In a perfect world, a fuse would be able to carry its rated current indefinitely, melt quickly on a small excess, and be unaffected by harmless surges of current. Similarly, a good fuse should have a predictable behavior and should not need to be replaced even after years of service.
Distribution Boards
RCD (Residential Circuit Disconnect) is an important safety device for household electricity. It is recommended to test your unit every six months. You can test your unit by pressing the button marked ‘T’ on the consumer unit. If it does not switch off, an operator can press the’reset’ button to restore the supply. However, if the RCD fails to switch off, you should call a registered electrical contractor.
Disconnecting switch
There are many types of disconnectors available for the safe operation of electrical equipment. Disconnect switches can be used on domestic consumer units and circuit protection devices to quickly remove a circuit from the power supply in an emergency. They are used in conjunction with circuit breakers, which interrupt the flow of electricity when a circuit exceeds its capacity. These devices can work with either AC or DC power systems. They are available in single-phase and three-phase versions.
Circuit breaker
There are several terms used when discussing domestic consumer units and circuit protection devices. RCCB (residual current circuit breaker) is an example of a consumer unit. It is a combination of a circuit breaker and a residual current device (RCD). Other terms include SRCD (socket residual current device) and SPD (surge protection device). RCD Testing are generally used in all type of buildings and house. The latter has an overload protection feature and can limit transient over-voltage.
