Residual current devices (RCDs) have long established themselves as electrical products that can ensure human safety and prevent electric shock in the event of a phase breakdown on the housing of a household appliance. However, the installation of such equipment in a switch cabinet is not always possible due to the insufficient size of the switchboard or the length of the DIN rail. For such cases, there is another device that appeared on the Russian market relatively recently. We are talking about a socket with an RCD, which is installed in place of the standard connection point for electrical appliances.
Socket combined with RCD: what is it?
Such devices are quite easy to install and use. The socket with an RCD built into the housing is a protective device that provides shutdown in the event of a current leakage, designed to connect one household appliance. Although the amount of equipment that can be powered from one point is debatable - it all depends on the power consumption.
Front panelsockets there is a "Test" button, similar to a conventional residual current device. It can be used to check the performance of the product. When you press the "Test" button, conditions similar to current leakage are created - the socket must cut off. Also on its front panel is an enable flag.
The advantages of such sockets over conventional RCDs
These devices have enough advantages. The main one is the ease of installation. A socket with a built-in RCD is connected like a regular power point. On the rear panel there are 2 contacts for switching the phase and neutral wires, respectively marked.
An interesting decision of engineers was the production of extension cords equipped with residual current devices. In appearance, they can be compared with surge protectors with one exception - in addition to the power supply flag, there is a "Test" button on the case. Extension cords can be either with one connection point or have 3-4 sockets with RCD. Such electrical products are especially convenient in the kitchen, when there is a decent distance from a regular power point to complex household appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, oven).
Other devices that do not require complicated connection
Often there are no sockets with RCDs on sale. This is especially true for small towns. And sometimes the owner himself does not have the desire to change the standard outlet. But, for example, for a boiler, such protectionnecessary. The way out of this situation can be an adapter with a built-in RCD. Externally, such a device looks like a mobile voltage control relay. A plug is located on its back side, and on the front side there is a power flag, a "Test" button and a socket.
With the help of such a device, you can protect any equipment, and when moving it, simply rearrange the adapter from one power point to another. The maximum current load of such adapters, as well as sockets with a built-in residual current device, is 16 A.
Helpful advice! When using an adapter, make sure that the installed power point is rated for 16A. Often, cheaper outlets cannot handle more than 10A.
Worth buying?
To provide protection against current leakage of one outlet, the use of such devices is quite justified. They cope with the assigned tasks provided that there are no overloads. The inclusion of several devices with a large power consumption will disable the device. In this case, no cutoff will occur. If you follow the operating rules recommended by the manufacturer, the RCD socket will last a long time, protecting the owner from electric shock and various leaks.
