Here at RF Training during your electrician training you will cover a variety of different tasks and processes vital to you starting a new career. One of these is what an RCD is and how it is used. Here is a brief explanation of an RCD as a taster of the types of things you will learn whilst with us on the electrician training courses.
A Residual Current Device, or RCD as it is most popularly known, is a device which is designed to shut off the current of an electrical device if there is a fault caused by the earth wire. This will prevent fatal electric shock and electrical fires.
The RCD can detect if electricity is flowing down an unintended path, such as through a person who has touched a live part, the RCD will then switch the circuit off very quickly to reduce the likelihood of death or serious injury.
Where can RCD’s be found?
From the introduction of the 2008 BS7671 Wiring Regulations it is now a legal requirement for practically all domestic electric circuits to have an RCD installed. This means that the most obvious place to find an RCD is in the Consumer Unit (Fusebox) this will then protect any electrical circuit connected through the unit to including; sockets, light switches and appliances.
RCDs can also be found on sockets themselves and as portable devices.
How to check if the RCD is installed and working correctly
It is important to check RCDs every three months to see if it is installed and functioning correctly. You will know if there is an RCD installed if you can see a button marked “T” or “TEST”. This is a good indicator that an RCD unit has been installed. To check if this works if the button is pressed it will shut off all the electricity to the areas it is working with.
Obviously if it doesn’t turn anything off the RCD may need to be replaced.
If you would like to find out more about our electrician training course call us FREE on 0808 115 6538 or fill in a form on the right and we will contact you.
