What Is The Difference Between RCD Switches and Circuit Breakers?

Residual current devices are designed to protect people from being shocked caused by electrical overloads or surges. They will switch off the electrical power in milliseconds when there has been a current leak. This leak is prevented from flowing into a person as the electrical supply is shut off almost immediately.

What are the Different Types of RCD Switches?

There are three main types of RCD protection switches that can be installed for electrical safety:

• Electrical Switchboard – the electrical switchboard is the most common place for RCD switches to be installed. These are connected alongside other protective devices on the power distribution board. 
• Portable – if a person is working with a tool or equipment which is not protected by an RCD then a portable one is an option. The individual can connect the appliance to the portable switch through an extension lead. This will be used to protect themselves and reduce the risk of them receiving a shock. 
• Powerpoint – in workshops or bathrooms where the flow of electricity is either high or can be dangerous that RCD switches can be fitted into specific powerpoints. They will constantly detect the electrical current for any appliance connected to the power point.

RCD switches will need a fully qualified electrician to correctly install and connect them. Our electricians are highly trained to install any type of RCD switch, test them and ensure they are protecting people properly. 

How Can I Test RCD Switches?

Testing the RCD switch is highly advised to ensure they are known to be working and protecting people. The best ways to test an RCD switch is to:

1. Locate where the RCD switch is
2. Turn off all electrical systems around the building
3. When the power is off press the ‘test’ button
4. Inspect to see if any systems or appliances are not working when the test button has been pressed
5. Turn the RCD switch back on after every system has been tested

For more detailed steps on how to test an RCD switch, we strongly recommend reading our blog with further methods.

Circuit breakers look over specific electrical systems and circuits of a building. They will protect the devices, appliances and systems which are connected to the specific circuit. Electrical overloading is where there is too much power running through currents and can cause devices to be damaged. Circuit breakers will detect when there is too much electrical current in the circuit and switch off the power. 

What are Some Signs that there is an Electrical Overload?

To know if there has been an electrical overloading incident look out for these signs:

• The circuit breaker inside the switchboard has been tripped with the switch flipped
• Lights dimmer more frequently when more appliances are in use
• Outlets, power points and switches buzz, are warm or have a strange odour
• Appliances, devices and tools are not working correctly or are not as powerful

When these issues are noticed then the chance that the circuit might overload is high and an emergency electrician should be contacted to inspect the problem. Our electrical repairs and electrical safety inspection services can ensure that electrical overloads and circuit breakers are controlled by one of our professional electricians.  

What do I do When the Circuit Breaker has Tripped?

The main steps to follow then the circuit breaker has tripped and to keep people and appliances safe are to follow these steps:

1. Locate the circuit breakers which are often inside the main electrical switchboard
2. Identify what exact circuit breaker has tripped and what electrical circuit it controls
3. Ensure that lights, appliances and devices are switched off if they are connected to the tripped circuit
4. Turn the switch of the circuit breaker into the on position after every appliance has been turned off
5. Test to see that the lights and electrical equipment which are connected to the tripped circuit breaker work 

To know more about what to do when circuit breakers trip, we strongly encourage checking out our blog article.