Total earth loop impedance
We know how (very) important the total earth loop impedance Zs is in the reduction of shock risk. However, in TT systems where the mass of earth is part of the fault path, the maximum values of Zs given in the IEE Regulations may be hard to satisfy.
Added to this, climatic conditions will alter the resistance of the earth in such a way that Ze may be satisfactory in wet weather, but not in very dry.
The regulations recommend, therefore, that the preferred method of earth fault protection for installations in TT systems be achieved by RCDs, such that the product of its residual operating current and the loop impedance will not exceed a figure of 50 V.
Modern developments in CB (circuit breaker), RCD and consumer unit design now make it easy to protect any individual circuit with a combined CB/RCD (RCBO), making the use of split-load boards unnecessary.
In domestic premises the use of 30 mA RCDs is required for the protection of all socket outlets rated at not more than 20 A, for all circuits in a bath or shower room and for cables embedded in walls and partitions at a depth less than 50 mm. Socket outlets not intended for general use, for example those provided for non-portable equipment such as freezers, etc., are exempt from this requirement, provided they are suitably labelled or identified.
Applications of RCDs
30 mA
| Applications | |
| – | All socket outlets rated at not more than 20 A and for unsupervised general use. |
| – | Mobile equipment rated at not more than 32 A for use outdoors. |
| – | All circuits in a bath/shower room. |
| – | Preferred for all circuits in a TT system. |
| – | All cables installed less than 50 mm from the surface of a wall or partition (in the safe zones) if the installation is unsupervised, and also at any depth if the construction of the wall or partition includes metallic parts. |
| – | In zones 0, 1 and 2 of swimming pool locations. |
| – | All circuits in a location containing saunas, etc. |
| – | Socket outlet final circuits not exceeding 32 A in agricultural locations. |
| – | Circuits supplying Class II equipment in restrictive conductive locations. |
| – | Each socket outlet in caravan parks and marinas and final circuit for houseboats. |
| – | All socket-outlet circuits rated not more than 32 A for show stands, etc. |
| – | All socket-outlet circuits rated not more than 32 A for construction sites (where reduced low voltage, etc. is not used). |
| – | All socket outlets supplying equipment outside mobile or transportable units. |
| – | All circuits in caravans. |
| – | All circuits in circuses, etc. |
| – | A circuit supplying Class II heating equipment for floor and ceiling heating systems |
100 mA
| Applications | |
| – | Socket outlets of rating exceeding 32 A in agricultural locations. |
| – | Where Loop Impedances are too high, RCD ratings can be calculated. |
300 mA
| Applications | |
| – | At the origin of a temporary supply to circuses, etc. |
| – | Where there is a risk of fire due to storage of combustible materials. |
| – | All circuits (except socket outlets) in agricultural locations |
500 mA
| Applications | |
| – | Any circuit supplying one or more socket outlets of rating exceeding 32 A, on a construction site |
RCD installed on a DIN rail //
Reference: Electric Wiring: Domestic – Brian Scaddan IEng, MIET
Copyright Notice
This technical article is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of PDF version of this technical article to websites such as Linkedin, Scribd, Facebook and others without written permission of the sponsor is illegal and strictly prohibited.© EEP-Electrical Engineering Portal.
Related electrical guides & articles
Edvard Csanyi
Hi, I'm an electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal. I worked twelve years at Schneider Electric in the position of technical support for low- and medium-voltage projects and the design of busbar trunking systems.I'm highly specialized in the design of LV/MV switchgear and low-voltage, high-power busbar trunking (<6300A) in substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. I'm also a professional in AutoCAD programming.
Profile: Edvard Csanyi
RCD rating require single phase 1.5 HP submersible .
Dear Sirs,
What type of RCD do we use for a split-phase system? Our supply voltage is 3-phase 230V system where u use two phase to make 230V supply. No neutral. Pls advise as we have a project coming up for many service Stations.
Regards,
Ephrem Yoseph
Consulting Engineer
F-Consulting & Contracting PLC
Martyrs’ Avenue
ZIP Code 1A-171
House No.83/6
Asmara, Eritrea
Tel/WhatsApp: +291-7-654180
Does IEC 61008, IEC 61009-1, or IEC 61543 specify an AIC or Short Circuit Rating for 16 amp and 32 amp RCDs and RCBOs?
is 30 mA RCD REQUIRED FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE SUB DB’s.?