Why is it knocking out an RCD. The RCD is triggered - causes

Probably every adult resident has repeatedly heard about such a concept dominated in the field of electricity as an RCD - a protective shutdown device. As the practice and verb statistics shows, it was this automatic system that saved thousands of human lives from sudden electric shock. Therefore, this article will be about this device, about its principle of operation, reasons for the operation, etc.

What is the principle of operation of the RCD?

The RCD is a kind of artificial current balancer, which contributes to the support of equilibrium at the entrance and output of phase and neutral wires. That is, a protective shutdown device responds to current leaks, the causes of which are a lot. As you know, any malfunctions in the mains can lead to short circuits, fires of electrical appliances, large fires. If the contacts of current flows are not felt in the contacts and the voltage at the input and output is the same, the automation does not work.

The design of the RCD consists of such an important element as a differential current transformer, which is supplemented by windings in which magnetic flows appear in the process, when their readings are equal then this indicates the normal circulation of electricity. In this mode, the security apparatus of the power supply system does not issue any clicks and signs, that is, it does not work. But if the drops in phase and zero discharge are detected around the perimeter, then the indicators in the magnetic flow will also be unequal.

It is worth noting that according to the leakage current indications, a protective shutdown device is also selected, for this a special scale is created from 10 mA to 500 mA. But this does not mean that at a higher power, the unit is able to respond to voltage drops, as well as to short circuits in the system, its functionality is directed exclusively at the leakage current, as a result of which the device knocks out, shows its reaction, disables network power in the wiring. About why it knocks out the RCDs read further in the article.

Why is it knocked out when the washing machine is turned on

The washing machine in everyday life is an indispensable assistant to every mistress. But often on the forums there are discussions of the following nature: why does the washing machine knock out the RCD? As experienced experts of the reasons explain, there may be several, look in more detail about them.

The reasons for the operation of the RCD when the washing machine is turned on
Incorrect connection of household appliances	According to safety standards and technical rules, the presence of a protective shutdown device, as well as such a device as a differential circuit breaker is strictly necessary in the bathroom, where the washing machine is most often installed. This is due to the risk of human lesions in the case of non -proceeds with wiring and power grid in general. So, the first reason that can cause knocking out an RCD is the wrong connection of household appliances, but this is quite rare. After all, the process of connecting the device itself is not difficult and does not require smart solutions, the master needs to correctly connect the cable veins, and it is hardly possible to make mistakes, but looking for this option, this option should not be excluded.
Incorrect connection of the RCD	This reason is detected quite often, because when connecting a safe shutdown system, the masters often pass the phase itself through the device, while the zero indicator simply duplicates or is used with a neutral tire. And this means that the device will respond to false indicators that appear due to the construction of the irregular circuit of the electric carrier. In order to prevent this malfunction, the owner must be familiar with the principle of functioning of the device and know that the connection of phase and zero conductors in good condition passes through the internal system of the unit, and not vice versa. As a conclusion, there should be no additional zeros in the conductors chain.
Protective shutdown device is faulty	To exclude this cause, the owner must test protective equipment. To do this, the device provides a special test button, which allows you to form a false manifestation of a leak in the system, to which the device should instantly respond, if this does not happen, it means that it was not allowed in the RCD itself. In the event of a malfunction of the device, you should not resort to its repair, the acquisition of a new one will be a rational solution.
Critical condition of the washing machine	Washing machines, which are characterized by a long operational period, can become the very cause of the operation of the RCD. Since in old household appliances various problems with wiring, insulating windings of the engine, etc. can occur. To determine the leak in the typewriter itself, it is recommended to test it using a special device - a multimeter. But it is better to turn to specialists, since it is quite difficult to independently identify problems in electronics and wiring of a household unit, and the results are not always true.
Undoubted electrical wiring	Often the reason for choosing an RCD becomes an old electrical wiring or recently mounted, new. In the old, contacts can be violated, and the new is most likely incorrectly laid or connected not correctly. The cable is also not ruled out by a self -tapping cable or a drill during installation work. To check this version, the master needs to open the boxes of switches, sockets, etc. Difficulties of course will arise with hidden wiring.

It is worth noting that most often the causes with cables are correlated with aluminum elements that are rationally replaced with differential autonomous circuit breakers.

The above points, this is not the entire list of reasons that can be caused by the RCD, the hosts can get more specifics after individual diagnosis and consultation with professional electrician.

Why is it knocking an RCD on a water heater

To answer the question why it knocks out the RCD when the water heater is turned on is definitely impossible, since there can be several reasons for such a malfunction in the operation of the mains:

a protective device of non -powerful power is connected;
RCD malfunctions;
The isolation of the heater is disturbed;
A bare wire is approaching the body of the device;
The current leak in the old wiring, etc.

According to the first reason, the bathroom can use a weak device of protective shutdown, so knocking out appears from time to time, with additional load (while connecting several electrical appliances to the network). In this case, you need to consult with the masters and replace the RCD with a more suitable one. It can also be a frequent operation of it is an incorrect connection or a malfunction.

In case of violation of the isolation of the heater, the nichrome element begins to in contact with water, as a result of which the RCD is knocked out. This fact can be checked as follows, remove the heating part from the boiler, cleaned of scale and examined for the appearance of cracks, which indicate its unsuitability. The decision of this problem will be the installation of a new heating element.

The reason for knocking out automatic machines may also be a water heater contact with a naked wire, which is also manifested as a result of damage to the insulation on old electric networks. After checking this deficiency in wiring, it can be excluded completely replacing the cable or simply processing the contacts with electrical tape. Thus, the performance of household appliances and RCDs also depends on the attentiveness of the owner. It is worth saying that I recommend testing protective equipment with a frequency of once a month, this will prevent more global problems associated with breakdowns of water heaters and other home appliances.

Why is it knocking out an RCD when you turn on the light

The reasons for the operation of the machines on the meter as a result of the inclusion of light can be several and they are associated with either problems in the wiring or with a malfunction of the RCD. Most often, such problems arise after installing new lighting devices, connecting chic chandeliers, etc. One of the most common reasons is the overload of the power supply system, this means that the indicators of the rated current and consumed are not balanced. That is, the room does not dominate the stable power supply, with frequent changes, and while connecting several devices, the system does not withstand the load. In this case, it is necessary to turn to the electricians, consult regarding the planned replacement of the counter, cable and wiring in the room as a whole.

After the repair and purchase of a new chandelier, it is worth redeeming its connection, perhaps the master mixed up the cable, made a mistake, which became a false challenge for the RCD, or really somewhere damaged the wiring and a real leak was formed and the automation was not a breakdown in the system and not information about Its malfunctions, and the reaction to the real problem in the mains.

Why does the RCD work without load?

Information about why the RCD is being triggered without a load is discussed by many users. According to competent masters, this problem is more often related to the malfunction of the protective device itself or with its connection. An erroneous operation can be caused by damage to the test key or not the functionality of the trigger. To a number of these reasons, you can add a short -term current leak, as well as an inappropriate connection scheme for the phase and zero cable.

So, with regard to the test mode of the RCD, in a non -working state, all the key contacts are in an open position. But it often happens that over time, these contacts can lose their structure, get out, and this becomes the cause of a spontaneous reaction. Also, the button can stick, as a result of which automation will also be disabled. Therefore, you should regularly test the RCD and in case of problems to eradicate them in a timely manner.

The breakdown of the trigger mechanism also leads the false trigger of safety levers. The fact is that he is too subtle perceives vibration, roar, etc. Manifestations, even a slight cotton of the door can lead to knocking it out. These breakdowns of the elements of the RCD can be associated with a humid environment that dominates the room with the placement of the device, as a result of which the structure of the structure, its integrity are destroyed. And this leads a number of other negative manifestations, such as current leakage. You can supplement the described list above with incorrect installation, which comes from the leadership of the incorrect connection scheme. Therefore, it is recommended to seek specialized help in such matters.

How to mount the RCD correctly?

In order not to arise questions from the row - why it knocks an RCD when connecting household appliances, etc., and the device itself reliably protected a person from current leakage and its damage, it is necessary to correctly mount the device. For this, special instructions have been developed, which are focused on different schemes, features of the power supply of a particular room, etc. But one way or another, the procedure for connecting the RCD begins with the choice of a place for installation. It can be just a shield, or maybe a closet. So, the selected territory should be comfortable in height so that if necessary, you can easily get to the device. But at the same time, children should not reach him.

The main rule in the installation of automatic machines is the correct connection of terminals at the output and entrance: a zero wire is brought to the left, the phase is brought to the right.

After connecting, the system must be tested for performance. This can be done with the help of artificial leaking. For this purpose, the zero wire and phase are connected to the basement of the electrical lamps, if the device is worker, it will instantly respond and turn off the electric capacity in the room. For more detailed information on the topic of the RCD, watch the video:

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Why is it knocking out an RCD. RCD - reasons are triggered

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