What is RCD and why do I need one?

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RCD in other words Residual Current Devices is should be part of your wiring system inside the Consumer Unit / Fuse box to protect people and pets in your home. This protection is not luxurious at all and if you consider your home as a "safe-heaven" then ask a local registerer/qualified electrician to upgrade your fuse box.

RCDs work by measuring the current flowing in the live and neutral wires of an electrical circuit. If the current in the live and neutral wires is not equal, the RCD will trip, interrupting the flow of electricity.
RCDs are required in all new homes in the UK and are also recommended for older homes. They are a simple and effective way to protect people and property from the dangers of electrical shock and fire.

This is an A type 30mA RCD which is the latest RCD with DC (Direct Current) protection as well.

The 30 mA is the limit what people and animal can bare without serious electricution. Above this limit it can be lethal so it is important to test it every six month by pressing the T button as you can see on the picture. If your RCD does not work/not trip you should get a qualified/registered electrican to check your wiring system components.

For more information on electrical safety and how to get regular maintenance, testing and protection please get in touch.

We recommend RCBO along with the latest Wiring Regulations instead of RCD. To put in a nutshell the RCBO is a combined device which has a built in RCD and an MCB (for wiring protection). The main reason we recommend it is because each circuit in your fusebox is separate (should be) and if there is a fault then your RCD will trip effecting only one circuit at a time.

Here are some of the benefits of using an RCD

Protects people from electric shock. If a person touches a live wire, the RCD will trip, interrupting the flow of electricity and preventing the person from receiving a shock.
Prevents fires. If an electrical appliance malfunctions and starts to arc, the RCD will trip, interrupting the flow of electricity and preventing the fire from starting.
Complies with regulations. RCDs are required in all new homes in the UK and are also recommended for older homes.

If you are not sure whether your home has RCDs, you can check the consumer unit (fuse box). RCDs have a distinctive yellow or green casing. If your home does not have RCDs, you should have them installed by a qualified electrician.

You must check if your electrician is qualified and also registered to carry out Domestic work under Part P and he must be registered with one of the 5 main organization, which you can check on the Competent Person scheme here.

Please Feel free to contact Cavendish Eletricals & Services and send us an enquiry through our web page. If you have any question you can email us to info@cavendishelectricals.co.uk or you can call us on 015 3648 3348.

We cover a wide range of areas: Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Greater London (M25).