What are residual Current Devices (RCDs)/ELCB ?
RCDs guard against serious electric shock in the event of an electrical fault. They detect ‘leaking’ electricity from a circuit (which can occur when a cable is damaged for example) and respond by disconnecting the electricity supply from the circuit. Appliances which come into contact of water e.g. desert cooler, washing machine, mixer, etc. are more susceptible to earth leakages and therefore present greater risk of electrocution. Most modern homes have an RCD fitted in their distribution/ fuse board, but older homes may need to install one. RCDs are also available to fit at a socket outlet as a plug- in item. Plugs which incorporate an RCD should be used for tools and outdoor equipment if there is no RCD fitted at the distribution board. It is crucial to check whether your RCD is working correctly. To perform this check press the test button marked ‘T’ or ‘Test’ on your RCD fitted at the distribution/ fuse board, all RCDs have one. If it is working correctly, the power to all socket
