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Residual Current Detectors (RCD's) Explained
IS MY ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION FAULTY?
What basic checks can you make to establish if the electrics are faulty? As a rule, only a full periodic electrical test can tell you this, but there are a few warning signs you can look for:
Signs of damage to socket outlets, switches and light fittings. This can be either burning signs or discoloured sockets.
Are the sockets of the round pin type?This would tell you that the electrical installation is probably around 40 years old and would need to be upgraded.
Are there round light switches and branded flex hanging from the light fitting? This would probably tell you that no Earth was present and your lighting circuit would need to be upgraded.
Does your fuse board have re-wireable fuses? These have not been used in new installations for many years. Re-wireable fuses are fuses that when blown a fuse wire needs to be replaced in the fuse head.
If the fuse box has a wooden back, or a mixture of different types of fuses it is likely that it pre dates the 1960's and no RCD would be fitted for your protection. This will need to be addressed in order to conform with the 17th edition wiring regulations.
These are all signs that your electrical installation needs to be looked at!
RCD's Explained
An RCD, or residual current device, is a life saving device which is designed to prevent you from getting a fatal electric shock, if you touch something live, such as a bare wire. It can also provide some protection against electrical fires. RCD's offer a level of personal protection that ordinary fuses and circuit breakers cannot provide.
What does an RCD do ?
An RCD is a sensitive safety device that switches off the electricity automatically if there is a fault. An RCD is designed to protect against the risk of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults. For example, if you cut through a cable when mowing the lawn and accidentally touched the exposed live wires, or if a faulty appliance overheats causing electrical current to flow to earth, your RCD will trip and prevent any injury this could cause to yourself or your home.
How can AFS help you ?
An AFS electrician will come round to your property, assess your electrical requirements and design your installation with you. If you would like wires concealed and accessories flush to the wall, not a problem! our electricians can help.
If you plan to buy your own light fittings or accessories, again this is not a problem for our electricians, who are happy to advise you and work out the most cost effective way for you to achieve your requirements. The Installation will comply with the UK National Standard, BS7671 (requirements of Electrical installations) and Part P.
House rewires can be a messy job - it's best to forget about decorating until the rewire is complete. It can also cause major disruption to the household as carpets and floorboards will need to come up.
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AFS Installations provides a free, no obligation quotation service for both new and existing domestic and commercial customers
To contact us, you can use the form opposite and send your enquiry or call us on
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