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RCD Testing

A RCD residual current device, is a crucial device which is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock if you touch something live, such as a wire.

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An RCD, or Residual Current Device, is a life-saving device designed to prevent fatal electric shock if you touch live wire. It can also provide some protection against electrical fires. RCDs provide personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit breakers do not.

What does an RCD do?

An RCD is a sensitive safety device that automatically shuts off power in the event of a fault. RCD is used to protect against electric shock and fire caused by earth faults. For example, when you cut a wire while mowing the lawn and accidentally touch bare, live wires, or when a faulty appliance overheats, causing electrical current to flow into the ground.

How does a RCD work?

An RCD constantly monitors the electrical current flowing in one or more circuits that it is designed to protect. If it detects an unintended current flow, e.g. if someone touches live parts, the RCD will trip the circuit, greatly reducing the risk of death or serious injury.

RCD Testing in Commercial Properties

Compliant and properly manufactured RCDs are devices that can save lives in the event of an accidental short circuit or power failure. Example: A worker is working on a treadmill and unbeknownst to him, the machine's power cord is grounded to the machine, as soon as the switched-on current touches the grounded machine, the current flow changes, causing the RCD to trip.

Most RCDs will trip within 30 milliseconds or less after detecting a change in current flow/loss. In order to ensure the correct function of the residual current protective devices installed on site, they must be checked regularly. We recommends that every RCD be tested every 6 months or, if a portable RCD is used, a push button test should be performed before each use by the operato.

A well-functioning RCD is a device that can save your life in the event of a power failure. As with any mechanical device, there are faults that can cause an RCD to fail and the only way to tell is by performing regular RCD tests.