RCD PROTECTION TO PROTECT YOUR NEWBORNS FROM THE HORRORS OF ELECTRICITY
Want to know how to protect your newborn from the dangers of electricity in your home? Here is the answer that will surely help. An RCD protection. A residual current device (RCD) is a life-saving device designed to protect your newborn from getting a fatal electric shock if he or she touches something live, for example, an uncoated wire. In additional, it can also offer protection against electrical fires. What sets RCDs apart is that they provide personal level protection that ordinary circuit breakers and fuses cannot provide – At Electricians Perth, we always aim to set ourselves above the rest.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
It constantly monitors the flow of electric current through circuits it is configured to protect. When it detects electrical changes, such as current flowing through your child, it switches the circuits off abruptly. Hence considerably reducing any risk of serious injury or even death. In case your baby touches a wire that is loose and starts producing sparks, you may not even realize what has happened because the RCD will have cut the power long before any fire can develop.
WHAT ARE THE MOST READILY AVAILABLE TYPES OF RCD?
Portable RCDs
These can plug into any standardized socket-outlet. Then you can plug in any appliance into the RCD. They can be very useful when you don’t have any other type of RCD available. These types of RCDs only protect the child while in contact with plugged in appliances.
Socket-outlet RCDs
These are improved socket outlets with built-in RCD which can be used to replace the normal socket outlet. It offers protection to your baby only when in contact with appliance connected through the special socket or socket itself.
Fixed RCDs
These kinds of RCDs are installed in the fuse box (consumer unit) and can offer protection to your baby from many circuits. So, it offers the highest level of security as it can protect your child from all connected appliances, sockets, and wiring.
ARE RCDS DEPENDABLE?
Very. With numerous studies indicating a reliability of over 97%. The level of reliability increases if the RCDs are tested periodically. If you have a fixed RCD protection your can be satisfied knowing that all your family including adults are protected from electrical fires and shocks. If you have a child, are anticipating to have a newborn or expecting your grandchildren, it is prudent to check the electrical wires regularly. By doing that, you will be adding another layer of protection to your family since no open wires will be left around unsecured.
Apart from checking open electrical wires, you should test all your RCDs at least every three months. But for portable type RCDs test them each time you use them. Note that if after holding the test button for a long time the RCD does not shut down, then it may be faulty.
HOW MUCH DOES AN RCD COST?
Some plug-in RCDs cost less than $15 but fixed RCDs costs a bit more. The additional cost of the fixed type is complimented by an additional degree of protection for your children. Installation costs may also vary depending on the type of RCD and the electrical company. Thus it is advisable to check around for the best quality at competitive price.
“BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY”
The bottom line is you should always protect you newborn from the horrors of electrical fires and shocks no matter the cost. And since most RCDs are affordable there is no excuse for not having one. What do you have to lose?
Get in touch with Westline Electrical Services today for assistance.
Contact us today on (08) 9220 5201
