RCD’s (Safety Switches) Why we need them
RCDs (Residual Current Devices) are safety devices that are designed to protect people from electric shock and reduce the risk of electrical fires. They work by monitoring the electrical current flowing through an electrical circuit and, if the current becomes unbalanced, they will disconnect the power supply to the circuit. This can happen if a person comes into contact with a live wire, or if there is a fault in the electrical equipment.
There are several reasons why it is important to use RCDs on electrical circuits:
Protection against electric shock: RCDs can detect and interrupt the flow of electricity in the event of a person coming into contact with a live wire, reducing the risk of electric shock and electrocution.
Protection against electrical fires: RCDs can detect and interrupt the flow of electricity in the event of a fault in the electrical equipment, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
Increased safety in wet areas: RCDs are particularly useful in wet areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, where the risk of electric shock is increased.
Compliance with safety regulations: In Australia, the use of RCDs is mandatory in certain situations, such as new construction and renovations, to comply with safety regulations and building codes. If you are a landlord then you need to ensure that all of the required circuit are RCD protected before renting out your property.
They are easy to install: RCDs are relatively simple to install and can be retrofitted to existing electrical circuits.
In short, RCDs are an important safety feature that can help to protect people from electric shock and reduce the risk of electrical fires. It's highly recommended to use them on electrical circuits in order to increase safety and comply with safety regulations.
