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A residual-current device (RCD), residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB) or ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) [a] is an electrical safety device that interrupts an electrical circuit when the current passing through a conductor is not equal and opposite in both directions, therefore indicating leakage current to ground or current flowing to another powered conductor.
To address this the IEC introduced the term residual current device (RCD). Residual current refers to any residue when comparing current in the outbound and return currents in the circuit. In single phase circuits this is simply the line or phase current minus the neutral current. In a 3 phase circuit all current carrying conductors must be sensed.
To provide supplementary protection against high-impedance faults it is common to recommend a residual-current device (RCD) also known as a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB), ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), or residual current operated circuit-breaker with integral over-current protection (RCBO), which will cut off the supply of ...
Breakers for protections against earth faults too small to trip an over-current device: Residual-current device (RCD), or residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB) — detects current imbalance, but does not provide over-current protection. In the United States and Canada, these are called ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
When current flows from a line conductor to an earth wire, as is the case when a line conductor makes contact with an earthed surface in a Class I appliance, an automatic disconnection of supply (ADS) device such as a circuit breaker or a residual-current device (RCD) will automatically open the circuit to clear the fault.
A residual-current device (RCD), or residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB), is a device that instantly breaks an electric circuit to prevent serious harm from an ongoing electric shock. A fuse or circuit breaker also does that, 'instantly' of course, is subject to qualification.
Speed: Devices must function quickly to reduce equipment damage and fault duration, with only very precise intentional time delays. Sensitivity: Devices must detect even the smallest value of faults and respond. Economy: Devices must provide maximum protection at minimum cost. Simplicity: Devices must minimize protection circuitry and equipment.
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