A residual current device, often referred to as a differential or a differential switch, serves to disconnect the electrical power in the network when a leakage current occurs. This problem can occur if the cable is damaged. If you do not protect yourself against leakage currents, it may cause a person to be electrocuted, as well as spontaneous combustion of the wiring( it starts to melt) and subsequently a short circuit.
A dia-vault is an RCD connected to a circuit breaker. The device is used to protect against leakage currents, as well as to prevent overloading of wiring and its damage in the event of a short circuit( the last two functions are the main purpose of the circuit breaker).
In summary, we can say that the differential circuit breaker is, roughly speaking, an RCD + automatic. Now let's talk about which device is best to choose when installing electrical wiring in the house.
- Advantages and disadvantages of
- What is better to install?
- Video instruction
Advantages and disadvantages of
After learning the differences of both devices, the idea immediately arises that it is necessary to choose the second variant of performance. This is a hasty conclusion, because if the RCD is additionally protected by an automatic switch, then, in fact, this will be a differential automaton. Therefore, in order to say for certain that it is better to choose an RCD or a difa-automat, it is necessary to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each product.
The advantage of the integrated model is that it is compact( does not take up much space in the electrical panel), and also completely protects the wiring from various hazards. In addition, the cost is slightly less than buying a RCD + automatic, and mounting is faster( you need to twist a few screws less).
The main drawbacks are:
- If the defect machine fails, it will be necessary to purchase a new one. Immediately, we draw your attention to the fact that if a combination of protection + automatic is broken, only one product will need to be replaced.very rarely break immediately two. Whatever one may say, a single element will cost less than a combined option.
- When tripping it is difficult to understand the cause: the occurrence of short circuit, leakage current or network overload. In the case of separated devices, the reason for finding out is much simpler: knocked out AV - short circuit or overload, knocked out RCD - leakage current.
Advantages and disadvantages of a separate version can be deduced, based on the pros and cons of the previous device, namely:
- the purchase of a new product will be cheaper;
- is easier to detect failure;
- to install longer;
- takes up more space on the DIN-rail;
- no protection against short-circuit and overload if the circuit-breaker is absent.
Well, the last thing I'd like to tell you about is that it's better to choose and put in the house: a RCD or a Difa Automaton.
What is better to install?
You have become acquainted with the purpose, advantages and disadvantages of each device. If the answer is still not clear to you, let's sum up the choice.
If you are installing wiring in an apartment or a house with a simple wiring diagram, then it is necessary to install only a difa-automat. When creating a complex network in a cottage it is better to use several RCDs with AB for each group of wires( outlets, for lighting, for powerful electrical appliances, etc.).
To protect a separate network with a small power consumption, the difa-automat can not be installed, but it is enough to secure the line with a protective shutdown device alone.
We draw your attention to the fact that the functionality of both options is the same, so you can not give preference to one of the devices based on the efficiency of its operation!
Video instruction
To your attention video, which clearly illustrates the difference:
products That's all I wanted to tell you about these two devices. We hope that now you know exactly what it is better to choose for a private house or apartment.
Also read:
- Reasons for triggering the RCD
- How to connect the Differential
- Surge protector
