A working Safety Switch or RCD can protect you from a faulty electrical appliance that could otherwise cause a fatal electric shock, injury, or fire. Here’s what you should know.
A residual current device (RCD), also known as a safety switch, is a vital piece of equipment that protects you from electrocution. But how do you tell if RCDs are functioning properly, and what should you know to stay safe around RCDs and safety switches?
What is an RCD?
An RCD, or residual current device, is a life-saving device that prevents you from receiving a fatal electric shock if you come into contact with something live, such as a bare wire. It can also help to protect against electrical fires. RCDs provide personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit breakers cannot.
A residual current device, also known as an RCD, is a critical safety device in the electrical industry. An RCD is primarily used to protect humans from dangerous electrical shocks. If a household appliance malfunctions, the RCD reacts to the power surge and disconnects the electric current. The RCD is fundamentally intended to react quickly. The residual current device monitors the electric current and reacts quickly in the event of any abnormal activity.
What does an RCD do and how does it work?
An RCD is a sensitive safety device that automatically turns off the electricity if there is a fault.
An RCD is intended to safeguard against the dangers of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults. For instance, if you cut through the cable while mowing the lawn and inadvertently touched the exposed live wires, or if a faulty appliance overheats, causing electric current to flow to earth.
An RCD continuously monitors the electric current flowing through the circuits it is designed to protect. If it detects electricity flowing down an unintended path, such as through a person who has touched a live part, the RCD will quickly shut down the circuit, greatly reducing the risk of death or serious injury.
Are RCDs mandatory in NSW?
As some of you may be aware (or may not be), the Australian Standards that apply to electrical installations are known as Australia/New Zealand Wiring Rules 3000:2018, and they were recently updated. A series of amendments went into effect on January 1, 2019, to account for advances in technology, equipment, and techniques over the last ten years (when it was last updated!). Many of the changes aren’t applicable to average homeowners, but there are some new safety switch requirements you should be aware of:
- In all residential and domestic installations, safety switches or RCDs must be installed on final sub-circuits.
- When replacing switchboards or installing RCDs, safety switches or RCDs must be installed on final sub-circuits.
- In all residential and domestic installations, safety switches or RCDs must be installed on final sub-circuits.
- When replacing switchboards or performing any other electrical modification work, safety switches or RCDs must be installed on final sub-circuits.
- A safety switch is required on all circuits in new homes.
Until the standards were amended, safety switches were only recommended in New South Wales, as opposed to other states with more stringent requirements. Any changes to power circuits must now include the installation of a safety switch or RCD. Yes, safety switches are required in residential and domestic homes in NSW.
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