RCD
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Electronics & Electrical
| Stands for | Residual-current device |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
RCD stands for Residual-current device, an electronics & electrical abbreviation.
Safety device that disconnects a circuit when it detects an imbalance between the current going out on the live conductor and returning on the neutral, indicating current leaking to earth, possibly through a person. RCDs rated at 30 milliamperes protect against fatal shock in British, European and Australian installations.
Example: Press the RCD test button every few months to make sure it trips.
Usage notes
North America uses the equivalent GFCI, set to trip at a lower level of about 5 mA. Combined devices that also protect against overcurrent are called RCBOs. RCDs do not protect against shocks between live and neutral, since that current returns normally.
Related abbreviations
More electronics & electrical abbreviations
- op-amp – Operational amplifier
- PCB – Printed circuit board
- PCBA – Printed circuit board assembly
- PLL – Phase-locked loop
- PTC – Positive temperature coefficient (thermistor)
- PWM – Pulse-width modulation
- RFI – Radio-frequency interference
- RMS – Root mean square
- SCR – Silicon-controlled rectifier
- SMD – Surface-mount device
- SMPS – Switched-mode power supply
- SMT – Surface-mount technology