Residual Current Device

170

02:44:41

This circuit shows the principle behind a reaidual current device (RCD).  A toroid compares the current in both the active, and the neutral wire.

The currents should match exactly (kirchoffs current law). If current is 'leaking' from the circuit via an alternate path to ground, which bypasses the RCD to the earth at the transformer, it will be detected.  The residual current will activate a solenoid and trip the RCD.  

The 10k resistor simulates a person touching a live wire, causing an earth leakage current to bypass the RCD, creating a residual current in the RCD.

Note that if you touch both wires at the same time, there will be no earth leakage and the RCD will see no abnormalities.

published 8 years ago

zorgrian

8 years ago

Very clear explanation. Excellent circuit. 9/10 ✓❀ヅ❤♫

zorgrian

8 years ago

All is good in the state of Denmark

zorgrian

8 years ago

Note : “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” is used to describe corruption or a situation in which something is wrong.

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