Difference between revisions of "RCD"
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For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device | For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device | ||
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| + | =RCDs and drills= | ||
| + | DIYers sometimes put an RCD plug onto their mains drill in the belief that it will stop them being electrocuted if they drill into a cable. In fact it offers no such protection, and tends to encourage less care, resulting in greater danger. | ||
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| + | An RCD on the drill plug does not detect any current flowing from wall cable to drill body to user. Nor can it switch this current off. It thus has no effect on such shock scenarios. | ||
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| + | An RCD plug on a drill can increase risk more than it reduces it by providing a false sense of security. | ||
Revision as of 07:58, 21 December 2006
Residual Current Device
Used for protecting circuits against faults causing current to flow to earth, and in some cases protecting users from electric shock.
For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device
RCDs and drills
DIYers sometimes put an RCD plug onto their mains drill in the belief that it will stop them being electrocuted if they drill into a cable. In fact it offers no such protection, and tends to encourage less care, resulting in greater danger.
An RCD on the drill plug does not detect any current flowing from wall cable to drill body to user. Nor can it switch this current off. It thus has no effect on such shock scenarios.
An RCD plug on a drill can increase risk more than it reduces it by providing a false sense of security.