Ensuring electrical safety during the operation of modern electrical appliances

The life of a modern person is inextricably linked with the use of electrical equipment. At home, we are surrounded by dozens of electrical appliances, including computers, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwave ovens, electric water heaters, etc. All of the listed equipment has something in common – the need for grounding to ensure its safe operation. A distinctive feature of such electrical appliances is the presence of a protective contact on the plug of their power cords.

Operating the above-mentioned appliances without grounding (earthing) creates a risk of electric shock.

For example, on July 8, 2023, in Kalinkovichi, a girl born in 2003 died in a bathroom. It was established that at the time the victim was taking a shower, a washing machine was operating, which was in contact with the bathtub. As a result of a malfunction of the washing machine, an electrical voltage of 90-100V appeared on its body. The electrical network in the apartment did not have a protective conductor.

This is precisely why the electrical networks of all modern residential buildings have a special protective conductor, and all plug sockets are equipped with a protective contact.

However, a large part of the existing housing stock was put into operation more than 30-40 years ago. The electrical network in such housing was not designed for the operation of modern electrical appliances, and therefore a protective conductor was not provided for it.

An example of a socket without a protective contact, used in old housing stock, whose electrical network does not have a protective conductor:

Example of a socket with a protective contact, used in new housing stock with an electrical network that has a protective conductor:

How can you ensure your safety and the safety of your family when using modern electrical appliances in old housing stock, where the electrical network lacks a protective conductor?

Today, there are devices that can help with this issue. These devices are called residual current devices, or RCDs for short.

The function of an RCD is to monitor that electric current flows strictly through the live conductors of the electrical network. This means that if a person comes into contact with electric current, the RCD must immediately disconnect the electrical network.

To protect against emergency modes in old housing stock, where the electrical network lacks a protective conductor, circuit breakers or fuses are installed. These devices will not protect a person from electric shock in case of direct contact with live parts of electrical equipment or metal parts of electrical appliances that have become energized due to insulation breakdown. It is important to know that an RCD is connected in series with a circuit breaker and fuses, as it does not protect electrical networks from short circuits and overloads.

Currently, there is a universal device – a residual current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection (indicated in markings as АД, АВДТ, or ДА), which combines the functions of a circuit breaker and an RCD, protecting networks from emergency modes and monitoring leakage current. It is this device that can be installed instead of fuses and circuit breakers.

An RCD has a relatively low cost, and its installation in an existing electrical network will take very little time for a qualified electrician. Of course, an RCD must perform its function and protect against electric shock; however, one should not rely solely on the operation of protective devices – it is also necessary to be careful when handling electrical equipment yourself. The use of this device significantly increases electrical safety and can save your life.

It is important to remember that to ensure the aforementioned functions, in networks without a protective conductor, it is necessary to use an RCD with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA.

In this case, in addition to installing an RCD, **do not** carry out other work aimed at modernizing the electrical network or its individual sections in violation of the procedure established by law. For example, independently, without appropriate design solutions, lay and connect protective conductors to electrical equipment, including from the floor distribution board. Remember that incorrect grounding (neutralization) of electrical equipment will not only fail to provide the necessary level of electrical safety but may also create additional risks of electric shock.

Think about your safety and the safety of your loved ones today – install an RCD.