RCD electromechanical or electronic, and how to distinguish what is best to choose

Differential current switches (RCD) are designed for a power outage during the formation of leakage current and Modern or upgraded wiring almost always contains a device in an electrical panel. But there are two kinds of RCD: electronic, electromechanical. In this article I will tell you how to distinguish them from each other and that it is better to put in my house.

What is the difference of electronic and electromechanical RCD

First, let's find out how they differ, and on what principle work. Let's start with the electromechanical.

The main actuator electromechanical RCD considered differential transformer. Thus, in case of leakage current passes through the transformer, the secondary winding of the transformer also arise current and voltage that will cause polarized relay trigger mechanically linked to tripping mechanism. So will trip.

And it turns out that no matter what there is in this period of time the mains voltage or no electromechanical RCD disconnects the damaged section of the network where the leakage current came.

And what about the electronically?

And electronic RCD will only work if the leakage current will be present and working voltage in the network. Thus, if there is no power (without power network), the electronic RCD even the formation of the leak does not work.

Here there is a logical statement: So what if that does not work, the light is still not!

This statement is not entirely true, and now I will explain why.

Let's iterate over all possible emergency situations:

1. Emergency recovery work on the line. In this case, there really is no danger. After your system is completely de-energized.

2. Interruption of the neutral conductor. But this situation is not an example of dangerous and why. Since breakage occurred only one conductor, namely the working zero, then the network will still be present phase. This means it is possible electric shock, and if it is at this moment breakdown occurs stiralki isolation, then, touching it, you will be amazed shock, and electronic RCDs will not act as a voltage, but there is only dangerous potential.

3. The third point is the very unpleasant surges. Because of them, often fail connected at the time the "jump" voltage electronic devices. And what is the electronic RCD? All right, this device, which is permanently connected to the network. And it may well be the case that the electronic board will be damaged, and because it does not disconnect the network during the occurrence of leakage current.

It can be seen that the last two points in no way affect electromechanical RCD, therefore, in my opinion, it is better to choose to install them in your home.

So, with RCD type defined, now let us learn to distinguish between them

How to distinguish from those of electromechanical electronic RCDs

The easiest and most affordable way to distinguish between these products - is to consider carefully the scheme, which is painted on all devices, because after looking for it can find significant differences.

So, looking at the electromechanical RCD, you will see a differential transformer, is connected via the aforesaid secondary winding with a polarized relay, signified also a connection to the shutdown mechanism. As they say, a mechanic in a pure form.

Now let's take a close look RCD electronic circuit

At first glance, the scheme is very similar, then there is also a transformer and relay, only in addition to these elements in this scheme, there is another, namely the electronic board to let down food.

No food - no tripping of the RCD.

use battery

Another option for a definition before you use any RCD is your existing batteries.

To do this, take the RCD, a battery and two wires.

One ends of the wire is clamped on the terminals of the RCD

Then we turn on the RCD and the ends touch the positive and negative battery. If nothing happens, then I place finish and again leans to the battery. Again, nothing happened - before you e-mail RCD.

If the relay works (at least in one of the two options), then in front of you an electromechanical relay.

That's the simple way you can determine what type of relays is in front of you. And which one to choose, of course up to you, but I would bet only electromechanical RCD.

The article was useful and interesting, then thumbs-up (Like).

Thanks for attention.