Almost every one of us is exposed to electricity nearly 24×7. However, like everything has its benefits and side-effects, electricity also comes with its own hazards – especially in regards to human life & personal property. Two of the significant risks that are mainly associated with electricity are – fire hazard and electrocution. Times like these are when you need the help of RCCB or otherwise known as Residual Current Circuit Breaker.
RCCB is defined as a certain kind of a tool (otherwise known as a safety device) that is used in an electrical system. The main job of an RCCB is to measure and then disconnect the electrical circuit in case if there’s any fault in the electrical system or the current in the system exceeds the circuit’s sensitivity. With that out of the process, let’s jump into more detail about RCCB, with the help of a home inspector in St Cloud.
What Is The Principal On Which RCCB Works?
It should be realised that the RCCB works on the principle of Kirchhoff’s Law. The law states that in any type of given circuit, the outgoing current will be equal to the incoming current. So, what the RCCB does is that – it measures the difference in current values between the neutral as well as the live wires.
You must know that in a circuit, the current that is flowing through the neutral wire must be equal to the live wire. If there’s any fault in the electrical circuit, then the current flowing through the neutral wire will be less, and the difference is said to be the residual current.
The primary purpose of using the RCCB is to sense such an electrical fault and thereby trigger a trip – which will help in isolating the current flow.
What Are The Classifications Of RCCB?
In the current day and age, there are mainly two types of RCCB:
- The 2-Pole RCCB
- The 4-Pole RCCB
Definition Of 2-Pole RCCB & 4-Pole RCCB
- Pole RCCB is generally used in a single-phase electrical current supply where a single live and a single neutral wire is used inside the circuit.
- 4-Pole RCCB is used in a three-phase electrical system where it has three live wires and one neutral wire.
What Is Meant By Sensitivity Of A RCCB?
It should be perceived that an RCCB is generally measured by its sensitivity factor. The human body has the capability to endure electrical shock up to 30 mA. Such a small flow of current will create a slight tingling feeling in most human beings. Still, sometimes it can also lead to muscular contractions and thereby lead to respiratory paralysis too.
