Do You Need RCDs at Your Workplace
In a workplace, RCD is required to be installed only where the electrical equipment is connected through a socket outlet (plug-in appliances). These places are considered higher-risk workplaces. It involves these four situations:
The electrical equipment is exposed to heat, moisture, vibration, dust, corrosive chemicals, and mechanical damage.
A lot of movement in the electrical equipment, which might lead to a damage in the supply cord.
A lot of movement in the electrical equipment while it is being used.
If it is used with an amusement device or is a part of such connection.
Now that you know what types of electrical equipment require RCDs, let’s look at a few examples of electrical equipment requiring an RCD: a hand-held device such as hair dryers, electric knives, saws, drills, and curling wands; moveable equipment such as electric lawn mowers, jackhammers, extension cords, and floor polishers; and equipment that is transported for jobs such as electric cement mixers, electric welders, and portable bench saws.
For your safety, if you work with any of the above electrical equipment make sure that the circuit that they are connected to have an RCD.
However, all said and done, it is important to note here that an RCD does not provide protection against unexpected high currents resulting because of spikes or surges. Therefore, it can’t replace a fuse. RCDs alone can’t do a lot of things, so you need to use them with fuses and circuit breakers.
If you need any further help with RCDs (or any other electrical topic and electrical work), give a call to our team of friendly Perth electricians.