A residual current device (RCD) or a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) commonly know as a safety switch is designed to isolate power when it detects an in-balance commonly of 30 mA (milliamps) between the active and neutral conductor.
These in-balances are commonly caused by current leakage through earth.
This leakage can be caused via a faulty appliance or through the body of a person accidentally touching an energized piece of equipment.
RCD/RCCB’s are designed to disconnect power to the circuit when a difference of 30mA is detected. This disconnection or tripping of these breakers should happen without due delay, if the RCB/RCCB takes to long to trip the results could be fatal.
Testing of fixed RCDs
- Locate switchboard and identify circuits protected by RCD’s
- Check switchboard door hinge, locking mechanism and weatherproof seal
- Clean outside switchboard and general area
- Carry out push button test to ensure RCD is operational
- Plug in RCD tester and measure trip time and current in accordance with the standard
- Record all test results for the clients records
Testing of portable RCDs
- Do a visual check of Portable RCDs for faults
- Plug in RCD tester and measure trip time and current in accordance with the standard
- Record all test results for the clients records
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