Residual-Current Device and Its Importance in Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Applications

27 May 2020

The practice of electrical safety is crucial in every domestic, commercial, and industrial property. Observing electrical safety can outright prevent any cases of accidents, injuries, or fatalities. Additionally, the use of different electrical safety devices can immediately avoid any types of property or equipment damage.

Some electrical safety devices found on properties are fuses, ground fault circuit interrupters, arc fault circuit breakers, surge protectors, and many more. While these devices can effectively regulate the current flow and react to any anomaly on the electric system, one device that offers great benefits for property owners is a residual-current device.

What is a residual-current device?

A residual-current device is a life-saving sensitive device that prevents any person from getting a fatal electric shock if ever you touch a live bare wire. This device can also provide some protection against electrical fires of properties. Unlike ordinary fuses and circuit-breakers, the presence of a residual-current device helps in offering a specific level of direct personal protection.

One problem that typically occurs in electrical systems and devices is an electric fault. An electrical fault is an abnormal electric condition caused by equipment failures, weather conditions, human errors, and smokes of fires. The occurrences of electrical faults usually contribute to the interruption to electric flows, damages to the equipment, and injuries or death of humans. Fortunately, the presence of a residual-current device helps in automatically switching off the current flow whenever faults occur, which ultimately saves lives, equipment, and properties.

How does the device work with other electrical devices?

To ensure round-the-clock functionality, the residual-current device will constantly monitor the electrical current that is flowing through one or more circuits. Once electricity flows down an unusual or unintended path, then the device will immediately switch the circuit off. Usually, a residual-current device can switch off the power in 0.3 of a second to prevent further effects of electrical fault. 

For it to work effectively, a residual-current device must be installed with other electrical devices. Fixed residual-current devices are usually installed in the consumer unit or fuse box so that they can provide protection one or more circuits. Alternatively, other types of residual-current devices can be either built into or plugged into a standard socket-outlet.

Why is it important in different applications?

One importance of a residual-current device in domestic, commercial, and industrial applications is that it reduces the risk of fires to properties and lives. This device will immediately prevent the electrical current from flowing through the circuits once an electrical fault is detected. By the time the current is cut off, the electrical current will not have any way of overloading and straining the equipment and devices anymore.

Another importance of a residual-current device in various applications is that it can save lives. Electrocution happens when a person touches a live wire. The effects of electrocution will solely depend on how much electric current has flowed through the wire. With a residual-current device, the fatal effects of electrocution will be minimised right away as it cuts the flow in a fraction of second. This device also prevents the transfer of the energy from electrons to your body, protecting you from gaining life-threatening injuries. Installing residual-current devices around your property will help you gain the mentioned life- and property-saving benefits. To have them installed on your property, just call us at Light-On Electrical. We can accomplish all types of electrical, air conditioning, and refrigeration needs for strata, commercial, industrial, and residential properties.

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