Residual current devices (RCDs) are apparatus commonly used for protection against electric shock in low-voltage electrical installations. They protect people in the case of an earth fault or even in the case of direct contact with the live parts. However, to be effective protective devices, RCDs have to detect residual currents of various waveform shapes which appear in modern electrical installations. For this purpose, RCDs...

Low-voltage electrical installations are verified initially – before being put into operation, as well as periodically – during their utilization. According to the IEC standards, the scope of the verification includes measurements of both the tripping current and the disconnection time of residual current devices (RCDs). Experiences in RCDs testing show that disconnection times of two or more similar RCDs can be quite different....

In low-voltage networks, earth fault loop impedance (EFLI) measurement is the basis for assessing the effectiveness of automatic disconnection of supply. Such a measurement is performed during initial and periodical verification, especially in a TN low-voltage network. Nowadays, due to widespread application of residual current devices (RCDs), such test is difficult in many circuits because RCDs operate during the test. In this...

Fast circuit breaker and protective relays play an important role of protecting locomotive’s electrical circuits from damage caused by short circuit or overload. Undisturbed operation and proper circuit protection depends on the technical condition and fine calibration of the over-current trips. Therefore the relays should be subject to periodic inspection and adjustment due to locomotive maintenance schedule. A test stand for...

Residual current devices (RCDs) are apparatus commonly used for protection against electric shock in low-voltage electrical installations. They protect people in the case of an earth fault or even in the case of direct contact with the live parts. However, to be effective protective devices, RCDs have to detect residual currents of various waveform shapes which appear in modern electrical installations. For this purpose, RCDs are...