What are the advantages and disadvantages of an RCD?
5 Answers
Answered by MRBE Ltd T/A MRB Electrical
1st May 2020
MRBE Ltd T/A MRB Electrical answered the question "What are the advantages and disadvantages of an RCD?"
The purpose of an RCD is to switch off a circuit (or group of circuits) in the event of a fault to earth. It does this by measuring the current of both the live and neutral of the circuit, if they are out of balance it means there is a fault to earth, it will then ‘trip’ off. The advantage is that it protects us from a prolonged electric shock, and may even safe your life should you somehow come in contact with a live part (ie cutting through your lawnmower lead) One disadvantage is that it can cause unwanted tripping, but usually this is a result of something being faulty, so it’s an advantage again! Human error is the only real disadvantage, RCDs need to be tested every 6 months by pressing the little test button on the front of them (anyone can do this). This test ensures the mechanism is free to move. Very few people remember to do this. So the RCD can stick in place and not actually protect you when you need it. Remember to test yours every 6 months.
Answered by TB electrical
12th April 2019
TB electrical answered the question "What are the advantages and disadvantages of an RCD?"
There are no disadvantages to having RCD as such, it's only down fall is in the condition of a fault the effected RCD will be off and all circuits protected by that RCD will also be off until the effected circuit is disconnected or the fault is rectified. But the advantage of having it greatly out ways not due to its protection from fatal shocks and help prevent Electrical fires by quick trip times in fault conditions.
Answered by M.E.T Electrical Ltd
27th February 2019
M.E.T Electrical Ltd answered the question "What are the advantages and disadvantages of an RCD?"
We do not see any disadvantages to having an RCD installed. An RCD provides additional protection against an electric shock. The RCD detects an imbalance of the electric current and 'trips' the supply before a fatal shock can happen. This will protect you from any fault that could potentially cause harm and potentially detect an unseen fault in the wiring before anything dangerous happens e.g. a fire.
Answered by Oak Tree Electrical
22nd February 2019
Oak Tree Electrical answered the question "What are the advantages and disadvantages of an RCD?"
RCDs monitor the electricity in one or a group of circuits and if it detects that some has "gone missing" it quickly disconnects the supply because it may be that this electricity that has "gone missing" if giving someone an electric shock. By disconnecting very quickly when only a very small amount of electricity has "gone missing" the duration and severity of the shock is limited to the extent that it is unlikely to hurt you.
Answered by East Kent Electrical Ltd
10th February 2019
East Kent Electrical Ltd answered the question "What are the advantages and disadvantages of an RCD?"
An RCD is a lifesaving device which is designed to prevent you from getting an electric shock if a fault develops and can cause a metal casing to become live like a washing machine. and can help prevent fires from electrical faults. RCDs offer a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit breakers don't. Any domestic house has to have them fitted to every circuit to meet the regulations. As for disadvantages there aren't any as they will detect a fault long before any danger exists