Re: On ebay - RCD circuit breaker caravan camper boat 240 volt mains

On 9 Aug 2005 03:02:25 -0700, "Mathew J. Newton"
<usenet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>John wrote:
>> On Mon, 8 Aug 2005 22:36:03 +0100, "Triker" <nodontemailme@xxxxxx>
>> wrote:
>>
>> >
>> >"Mathew J. Newton" <usenet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>> >news:1123504648.503104.240690@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> >>
>> >> Triker wrote:
>> >> > http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7991718456
>> >> >
>> >> > De-Luxe Mobile Mains Consumer Unit
>> >> >
>> >> > RCD protection, can be used for caravan, boat or home.
>> >> >
>> >> > Three outlet sockets. clip on the back for attachment to a pole, or can
>> >be
>> >> > screwed to a wall.
>> >> >
>> >> > 25A x 80mA. Earth leakage circuit breaker. 10 amp miniature circuit
>> >breaker
>> >> > (no more blown fuses).
>> >>
>> >> An 80mA trip level is insufficient protection against electrocution.
>> >>
>> >> Mathew
>> >
>> >Well maybe it's suposed to 30. So whats your problem, or do you nit pick on
>> >everything.
>> >
>>
>> I don't think the mA matters as I understand it trips whenever the
>> amount "going" differs from the amount "returning" by approximately 5
>> milliamps.
>>
>> And that's how it works?
>
>Correct principle, but wrong figures. In this case, the RCD will trip
>(usually within 30ms) if the outgoing and incoming differ by 80mA.
>
>Now, 80mA @ 240v will almost certainly kill you, even for as short a
>period of 30ms. 30mA, on the other hand, will almost certainly NOT
>hence why it is used as a means of protecting human life.
>
>Mathew

Not quite sure what you are going on about but a 30mA RCD, (or even
100mA) is a relatively small figure when compared to the current that
may flow in an earth fault without such protection (hundred of amps).
Neither would kill you in the time given if they are working
correctly, just not possible which is why they are so great.

Worth noting for those unsure an RCD is NO GOOD for 12/24 volts and no
substitute for bad wiring.

RCD's don't need an earth either as it monitors live and neutral to
detect an imbalance in the live and neutral currents. A current
overload, however large, cannot be detected.
.

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