The principle of the residual current device

The RCD is a circuit breaker which continuously compares the current in the phase with that in the neutral.
The difference between the two (the residual current) will he flowing to earth, because it has left the supply
through the phase and has not returned in the neutral (see {Fig 5.22}). There will always be some residual
current in the insulation resistance and capacitance to earth, but in a healthy circuit such current will he
low, seldom exceeding 2 mA.

The purpose of the residual current device is to monitor the residual current and to switch off the circuit
quickly if it rises to a preset level. The arrangement of an RCD is shown in simplified form in {Fig 5.23}.
The main contacts are closed against the pressure of a spring, which provides the energy to open them
when the device trips. Phase and neutral currents pass through identical coils wound in opposing directions
on a magnetic circuit, so that each coil will provide equal but opposing numbers of ampere turns when
there is no residual current. The opposing ampere turns will cancel, and no magnetic flux will be set up in
the magnetic circuit.

Residual earth current passes to the circuit through the phase coil but returns through the earth path, thus
avoiding the neutral coil, which will therefore carry less current. This means that phase ampere turns
exceed neutral ampere turns and an alternating magnetic flux results in the core. This flux links with the
search coil, which is also wound on the magnetic circuit, inducing an e.m.f. into it. The value of this e.m.f.
depends on the residual current, so it will drive a current to the tripping system which depends on the
difference between phase and neutral currents. When the amount of
residual current, and hence of tripping current, reaches a pre-
determined level, the circuit breaker trips, opening the main contacts and
interrupting the circuit.

For circuit breakers operating at low residual current values, an

amplifier may be used in the trip circuit. Since the sum of the currents in
the phases and neutral of a three-phase supply is always balanced, the
system can be used just as effectively with three-phase supplies. In high
current circuits, it is more usual for the
phase and neutral conductors to simply pass through the magnetic core instead of round coils wound on it.

Operation depends on a mechanical system, which could possibly become stiff when old or dirty. Thus,
regular testing is needed, and the RCD is provided with a test button which provides the rated level of
residual current to ensure that the circuit breaker will operate. All RCDs are required to display a notice
which draws attention to the need for frequent testing which can be carried out by the user, who presses a
test button, usually marked T. {Table 5.10} shows the required notice.

This installation, or part of it, is protected by a device which automatically

switches off the supply if an earth fault develops.
Test quarterly by pressing the button marked 'T' or 'Test'. The device should
switch off the supply, and should then be switched on to restore the supply. If
the device does not switch off the supply when the button is pressed, seek
expert advice

The test circuit provides extra current in the phase coil when the test button is pressed. This extra current is
determined by the value of the resistor R.

There are currently four basic types of RCD.

Class AC devices are used where the residual current is sinusoidal - this is the normal type which is in the
most wide use. Class A types are used where the residual current is sinusoidal and/or includes pulsating
direct currents - this type is applied in special situations where electronic equipment is used.

Class B is for specialist operation on pure direct current or on impulse direct or alternating current.

Class S RCDs have a built-in time delay to provide discrimination (see below).

It must be understood that the residual current is the difference between phase and neutral currents, and
that the current breaking ability of the main contacts is not related to the residual operating current value,
There is a widely held misunderstanding of this point, many people thinking that the residual current
setting is the current breaking capability of the device. It is very likely that a device with a breaking
capacity of 100 A may have a residual operating current of only 30 mA.

There are cases where more than one residual current device is used in an installation; for example, a
complete installation may be protected by an RCD rated at 100 mA whilst a socket intended for equipment
outdoors may be protected by a 30 mA device. Discrimination of the two devices then becomes important.
For example, if an earth fault giving an earth current of 250 mA develops on the equipment fed by the
outdoor socket, both RCDs will carry this fault current, and both will become unbalanced. Since the fault is
higher than the operating current of both devices, both will have their trip systems activated. It does not
follow that the device with the smaller operating current will open first, so it is quite likely that the 100 mA
device will operate, cutting off the supply to the complete installation even though the fault was on a small
part of it. This is a lack of discrimination between the residual current devices. To ensure proper
discrimination, the device with the larger operating current has a deliberate delay built into its operation. It
is called a time delayed RCD.

Residual Current Devices, or RCDs. are safety switches that prevent people from getting electrocuted in
homes and businesses. The device monitors the flow of electricity as it enters a property from the main
distribution panel. A surge of electricity, or an imbalance of electrical power, can cause injury or death. If
an imbalance in electricity is detected, the switch automatically cuts off the electricity. The installation of
at least two RCD Safety Switches in a building allows the electrical circuits to be evenly divided. That
increases safety two-fold by preventing electrocution, and allowing some lights and power to remain on in
the building.

A Residual Current Device is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution and fire caused by earth
faults. For example, if you cut through the cable when mowing the lawn and accidentally touched the
exposed live wires or a faulty appliance overheats causing electric current to flow to earth. RCD’s are very
sensitive and will activate within 10 to 30 milliseconds stopping the flow of electricity.

How Often Should RCD Testing Occur?

RCD testing has to be completed every three months, and documented, to remain in compliance. There is a
test button on the device that has to be pressed to determine if the switch is working correctly. It is working
properly if the power goes off. If the power does not go off, an electrician has to be called to re-test the
switch, repair it, or replace it. It is strongly recommended that all homeowners, even those not selling the
property have the devices installed for safety. The cost of installing residual current devices is nominal,
especially compared to the safety of family members.

Why Test Residual Current Devices?

Some electrical appliances and old wiring may have a normal small amount of earth leakage which can trip
a RCD.

Earth leakage increases with each additional electrical appliance that is plugged in, and if RCD keeps
tripping out it may be an overloaded circuit. Any faults we recommend that you have your wiring and
appliances checked by an electrician to ascertain the fault if a RCD keeps tripping.

The majority of electrical fatalities could have been prevented by the use of a properly installed RCD, and
regular testing to ensure they are working correctly.

If maintained correctly an RCD can not only help to prevent fire due to appliance or wiring faults, they
save lives. Thermal Scanners help clients to ensure their RCD’s are compliant and tested in line with
the UAE Standards.
What is Done During Testing of RCD?
The effectiveness of the RCD must be verified by a test simulating an appropriate fault condition and
independent of any test facility, or test button, incorporated in the device.

Tests are made on the load side of the RCD between the phase conductor of the protected circuit and the
associated cpc. Any load or appliances should be disconnected prior to testing. RCD test instruments
require a few milliamperes to operate; this is normally obtained from the phase and neutral of the circuit
under test. When testing a three-phase RCD protecting a three-wire circuit, the instrument’s neutral is
required to be connected to earth. This means that the test current will be increased by the instrument
supply current and will cause some devices to operate during the 50% test, possibly indicating an incorrect
operating time. Under this circumstance it is necessary to check the operating parameters of the RCD with
the manufacturer before failing the RCD test, the manager must reset the device by pressing the
appropriate button. Thermal Scanners is able to carry out all your RCD Testing requirements and upon
completion, issues you with a Comprehensive Report and Compliance Certificate.

How are RCDs Tested?

The wiring regulations require the residual device providing additional protection to disconnect within 40
milliseconds when tested at 5 times the current they are designed to operate within normal circumstances.
This is something our electricians test using calibrated equipment and not something the facility owner can
do. It is one of the tests carried out during an electrical inspection and confirms if the RCD would
disconnect in the necessary time to prevent shock.

If you are not sure when the RCDs within your installation have been tested, get in touch with us to make
an appointment for us to test them for you. All electrical equipment will need to be turned off prior to RCD
Testing being carried out.

Each RCD Test only takes approximately 5 minutes for each RCD. We suggest that RCD Testing is carried
out after hours, before the office opens, or you will need to advise your staff that the power will be
disrupted for each circuit, and that there computers will need to be turned off.

Different types of tests are:

 Operating Time Test: This test measures how long the RCD takes to trip, indicating whether it is
fast enough be effective.
 Push-button Test on RCDs: The push-button test is to ensure that the RCD will trip when there is
an earth leakage, and break the electrical circuit protecting the individual from suffering an electric
shock, or electrocution. This test should be performed daily or before each time you use the RCD –
whichever is the longer.
 Trip time test: The “trip time” test using the “applied current” method is a far more accurate
means of testing RCDs. It measures the actual trip time and must be performed with equipment able
to measure this to within 0.008 of a second.
 Portable RCDs: Portable RCDs requires the use of an isolation transformer.

Below are the Steps Done for Testing RCDs

1. Plug a small lamp into a power point and make sure it works. Leave it turned on.
2. Make sure that electricity is connected to the property and the main switch is in the “on” position.
The lamp should be on.
3. Turn off all electronic equipment (computers and televisions) etc.
 4. Push the test button on each RCD. Do not hold your finger on the test button. The RCD should
operate (turn off). If it does not operate, it must be checked by an electrical contractor.
5. After pushing the test button and the RCDs have turned off check that the small lamp is now off.
Also check that all the lights and power points do not operate. To do this, plug the small lamp into
all the power points and turn the power point on. If the lamp turns on, a licensed electrical
contractor must be engaged to correct the wiring.
6. When finished testing, turn the RCDs back on and check that the lamp works when plugged into a
power point.

The owner of the RCD must keep records of RCD testing, except for the daily push button testing of
portable RCDs. The OHS Regulation requires that a record is made and kept of all inspections, tests and
maintenance carried out on electrical equipment. We will provide you with Report that will have a detailed
record of the tests that we do and its result.

Benefits of RCD Testing

A tested RCD can help put your mind at ease when it comes to the safety of your workers. RCD testing
performed by a qualified professional can ensure that your RCDs have no faults in them and can be relied
upon to function when needed. Some other benefits of RCD testing are:

 Compliance with safety standards

 Cost savings
 Early detection of faults

Conclusion

RCD test and tagging is a fundamental component of electrical safety, providing protection against electric
shock and fire hazards. By regularly inspecting and adelaide test RCDs, we can minimize the risks
associated with electrical faults, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and prioritize the well-being of
individuals. Remember that electrical safety is a shared responsibility, and investing in RCD test and tag
services is an investment in the safety and reliability of your electrical systems, whether at home or in the
workplace.