Thanks to the gradual introduction of European technologies in our country, stores began to offer more and more electrical innovations. Some of them quickly find their niche, while others quickly disappear, faced with the peculiarities of the human mentality.
Today we will consider how to
properly connect an RCD. These devices are not only deservedly popular, but also included in the PUE - the handbook of every electrician. Despite the apparent ease of connection, we strongly recommend that people who do not have the proper education use the services of specialists, and not try to solve the problem on their own. You need to know the theoretical foundations of how to connect an RCD.
Security
The symbol "RCD" should be understood as a "residual current device." This device is designed to reduce tens of times the risk of electric shock in the event of a malfunction with wiring or electrical appliances.
The principle of its operation is incredibly simple: there is a comparison of the values of the currents in two lines: incoming to the consumer and going to external wiring. Between them equality must be respected. If a difference occurs (leakage), a shutdown occurs. In other words, if, for example, the
heater of an electric boiler is damaged,
and the water will be at a dangerous potential, the RCD will determine the leakage to the "earth", disconnect the circuit and prevent a possible tragedy. Of course, a certain amount of loss is acceptable, which should be taken into account when choosing the nominal values of the device. However, for the circuit to work, you should understand how to connect an RCD.
Installation location
The placement of this device depends on which part of the circuit you plan to protect. If we are talking about installing the whole apartment, then the masters who know how to connect an RCD usually offer a dashboard next to the meter - the counter. This is most optimal, since it is in this place where the start of the in-house wiring is located.
But if the protection of a certain electrical device is required, then you must first select a convenient place near it, where to mount the base box. Next, you need to perform the necessary exclusion according to the scheme. The article will not consider the features of a particular solution, this information can be easily found in specialized sources.
How to connect an RCD
Please note that a simple trip device and a circuit breaker are two different things. For example, in the event of an inter-circuit short circuit in the circuit section connected to the device, the RCD will not turn off, since the current value in the conductors will be equal (the value, as we see, is not controlled). Thus, the most important thing in how to connect an RCD is the circuit. That is, it is useful to first draw what, how and where it will be mounted. The RCD is always installed after the machine, and the limit current of the latter should not be greater than that of the protective device under consideration. Exception - diffavomat, combining both devices in a single housing.
The RCD contacts-terminals have corresponding designations indicating where to connect the phase, and where - the neutral conductor (N). On outgoing lines this order is not fundamental. If a grounding conductor is provided in the wiring, then it will not start in the RCD. It does not affect the performance of the device. To summarize: there are no "hidden" features in the connection. For a two-wire network, 4 contacts are used: phase and zero for supply, and 2 - to the load (outgoing line).