Solving an Electrical Problem

Residual current devices, or RCDs, are becoming a more widespread way to ensure electrical safety for outlets. Here are some things to know about these devices.

They Help Prevent Electrical Shock and Fires

The reason that RCDs are popular is that they reduce the risk of shock and electrical fire. They do this by monitoring the amount of current that runs through an electrical circuit. If unusual activity is detected, such as a power surge or electrical current that's going down a path that's not part of the closed circuit, then the RCD acts to immediately shut down the flow of electrical current.

Consider a situation where a wire is damaged, leaving the system ungrounded. If someone touches this, they could receive an electrical shock (such as if one end is connected to a power outlet). Or, a circuit that's having trouble may start a fire. The RCD system usually catches a malfunctioning circuit before either of these scenarios can happen since it is continually monitoring the status of that circuit to make sure that energy is flowing correctly.

They Can Be Installed on Individual Sections of Wiring

Another thing that you may want to know is that RCDs can be installed on single electrical circuits. A single RCD can only monitor one or a few circuits at a time, so it can get more expensive the more areas you want covered. You might opt to keep it simple and install RCDs in areas where you have a lot of use and a high energy demand, such as in your kitchen.

They Don't Require Your Input

Once you have your RCDs installed, they can do their job without your help. The function of RCDs is automatic. It's one more safety measure that you can take and then place out of mind.

They Can Be Installed During Your Routine Electrical Inspection

Finally, note that RCDs can be installed after the fact for added protection. Hopefully, you have already scheduled regular visits with electrical contractors like B Electric Inc. On one of these visits, they can take the time to install RCD devices on the outlets you specify. And they can also run through other electrical outlet safety tips with you. For example, it's a good idea to do home electrical testing to make sure everything is functioning correctly, and you'll also want to be aware of safety tips for dealing with electrical cords, wiring and outlets.