A few questions about RCD

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the functionality of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) in two scenarios: connecting a 2kW heater to an external RCD using hot and neutral wires from a 230V AC socket, and using an AC floating supply instead of the standard hot and neutral wires. In both cases, the RCD will trip if there is a current imbalance, as it detects differences in the currents passing through its transformer core. This is due to the principle that equal and opposite currents cancel each other out, and any leakage fault will result in a secondary current that triggers the RCD.

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  • Familiarity with current imbalance concepts
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gen x
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1) If I take hot and neutral wire from 230V AC socket and connect to external RCD that has one wire parallel to it, and connect to 2kW heater, will this RCD trip?

2) Will RCD trip if this is AC floating supply instead hot and neutral wire?

I interested will one wire parallel to RCD couse current imbalance inside RCD...

d.webp
 
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Yes it will trip.
 
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In an RCD, the circuit wires pass the same way through a transformer core. If the currents are equal and opposite, their magnetic fields will cancel, so there will be no secondary current. A leakage fault to another circuit or earth, will cause a small secondary current, that will trip the RCD breaker.
 
gen x said:
2) Will RCD trip if this is AC floating supply instead hot and neutral wire?
Yes.
If there is a difference in the two circuit currents that pass through the RCD, then it will trip.
 
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After all the other discussion in the other thread(s), how could you not realize this?
 
Causing an internal bypass inside the RCD is how they are tested. Pushing the test button does something similar to what you describe.
 

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