Selective RCD: device, purpose, scope + circuit and connection nuances

Among the variety of protective devices, there is a selective RCD, which experts note as a practical and optimal option for organizing protection. What distinguishes this type of devices from others from a related group?

What properties does a selective device have and how high is its sensitivity? Let's try to figure it out with a small overview in this direction.

Purpose and principle of action

Relay devices for electrical networks, designed to provide protection against direct contact in hazardous areas, as well as equipment protection, are diverse constructive execution.

Features of selective devices

A distinctive feature of the selective device is the presence in the circuit of the function of the shutdown time delay circuit, which feeds the load.

Usually this parameter exceeds the value of 40 ms - this means that selective devices are not designed to protect against damage with direct contact.

The range of devices used for protection during the operation of electrical networks provides an extensive selection. Almost all types of RCDs can be used in single-phase or three-phase networks

Also among the features of selective devices, their good stability in response to current and voltage surges should be noted. Thanks to this property, the risk of false positives and, accordingly, circuit disconnections is almost completely eliminated. What is the selectivity of circuit breakers is described in detail in this stuff.

As a rule, in practice, devices are used whose rated current is in the range of 25-100 A. The differential leakage current is in the range of 0.1-0.3 A.

Bipolar and four-pole versions of the device are made. Each type is actively used as part of branched cascade schemes.

The principle of operation and the device RCD type S

The distinguishing features of selective instruments are limited only to those indicated above.

In all the remaining structural functionality, there is practically no special difference between selective and general-purpose devices.

The principle of operation of the modules has the only goal - to prevent possible leakage of current, which poses a potential threat to users of various electrical equipment. RCDs of a selective type also act to prevent damage to equipment

The principle of operation, accordingly, remains standard - applicable to all protective devices from the RCD group:

1. There is a differential transformer in the design.
2. Thanks to the transformer, control currents are compared.
3. The difference is transmitted to the sensing element.
4. If the difference exceeds the set control parameter, a cutoff occurs.

That is the whole principle of work in general terms. True, it should also be noted such a feature as the dependence of devices on power.

In practice, two constructive variants of an RCD of a selective type (and common ones) are used. One option involves external power, and the other completely eliminates it.

A four-pole module integrated in a single-phase voltage network. Inclusion is made on the basis of a traditional solution, when an introductory machine, an electric energy meter and then selective RCD are used

It is clear that the designs of the protective apparatus, where an external supply circuit is not used, look more reliable than those that require an energy source for work efficiency.

Since the differential transformer, in fact, is the dominant structural element, special requirements are imposed on this detail of the RCD circuit.

The DT magnetic core must have a strict linear magnetization characteristic.

In approximately the same way, the processes inside the magnetic core of the RCD of the selective type and the current flow through the existing working windings proceed. By changing the current indicators of each line, the leakage factor is controlled

The temperature properties of the magnetic core should ensure high-quality operation in a wide temperature range. Therefore, for the manufacture of this element, a special material is used - amorphous iron or the like.

Other parts of the design of a selective UZO device are sensitive magnetoelectric relays - elements of direct action, often referred to as threshold organs.

In some designs, relays are replaced by electronics, but the principle remains the same.

Normal and emergency modes

When operating an RCD of type S, until that time, until the presence of a leakage current (differential current), the conductors forming an electric circuit in the magnetic field of the core pass equivalent rated load currents.

A diagram showing clearly the internal processes of a selective type module during operation of the device in operating mode. The necessary level of sensitivity is provided by its adjustment to the cutoff current

These currents, equal in magnitude, induce multidirectional magnetic fields inside the core.

Their total flux turns out to be equal to zero, which explains the lack of current on the secondary winding of the diesel fuel. Its zero current does not affect the cutoff sensitive element. The RCD remains on.

Otherwise, when the described circuit is violated, the current balance is also disturbed. As a result, a current of a certain value is formed on the secondary winding of the DT.

As soon as this value exceeds the threshold value of the trigger element of the selective protective device, it will work. What will trigger the executive locking system is the cut-off of the load power circuits. The RCD will disconnect and cut off the load circuit.

Traditional applications

As noted above, this modification of the protective devices is not used to protect against direct contact.

Most often, devices are used as blockers in the event of a possible fire of electrical wiring or system mechanisms.

Direct contact with appliances, especially household appliances, is a common phenomenon. However, in the event of a current leak, such contact is fraught with grave consequences. RCD type S will not protect against direct contact in the event of a leak, but there are other types of devices for this

The same RCDs are used as protective equipment against short circuits in the power circuits of valuable expensive plants / devices / equipment or in the power circuits of important technological systems.

A common thing is the introduction of selective devices in the construction of complex cascade electrical circuits, where on each branch a different kind of load with different currents is involved.

Cascade circuit solution for wiring an electrical network using selective protection modules. One of the common options that are used in the electrification of residential buildings

With this configuration of the branching system of electricity by selective devices, reliable protection is provided in individual areas.

And also each individual RCD in the event of an accident provides the ability to quickly determine the defect.

Connection diagrams for RCD selective cutoff

Actually, the circuit solutions in this case theoretically do not have any features that would distinguish them from building circuits with other types of devices of the group.

Another question is, in what order to include, for example, selective cutoff and direct touch cutoff?

Typical instrument design, which provides power blocking in case of current leakage and direct touch. The cut-off current setting is typically at least 30 mA

If we consider the selective shutdown device in a single embodiment, then in this case it is an element of the simplest circuit and is mounted as standard:

1. The first is the circuit breaker.
2. This is followed by an RCD of type S.
3. Then the load chain.

Meanwhile, protection is used in a variety of options for using electrical networks.

For example, it is necessary to ensure high reliability of the three-phase electric motor. How in this case to organize protection through an RCD of the selective type?

Another embodiment - a four-pole device - is more convenient from the point of view of the possibility of configuration of electrical wiring. With this module it is easier to manipulate the wiring of the earthen tire

A four-pole device can be successfully used here, with which you can organize a short-circuit protection circuit (winding) of the windings.

Connection is also carried out by means of an intermediate RCD insert. That is, the machine is turned on before, the second number is selective protection, the third is the electric motor.

Variant of circuit design with electric motor. A simple and fairly effective solution to protect the motor from possible interphase short circuits or short circuits to the housing

A single-phase circuit for standard needs, such as lighting and power supply, can be quite simply constructed using a two-pole device and several circuit breakers.

The wiring of single-phase channels in each individual room is carried out through circuit breakerswhich are fed by the phase coming from the protection device.

This, one can say, is a classic circuit design, which in most cases is used by owners of municipal housing, owners of houses, cottages.

The classic circuit version with one device of the current protective cut-off for the wiring of several electrical circuits. The usual solution in houses of old buildings where the use of an earthen tire was not provided

Modern housing projects involve the organization of schemes with the mandatory presence of a grounding bus.Therefore, such decisions are characterized by a slight change / addition to the wiring diagram.

In particular, a grounding conductor (PE) becomes an additional wiring element, which is as much an integral part as the zero bus.

An alternative circuit solution with the same sectoral variation of the wiring and using the same devices. Only in this version is a grounding bus already used. A similar example seems to be more effective in terms of protection.

In apartments, houses, cottages, selective protection devices are an indispensable addition to the apartment electrical switchboard when residents use household appliances:

• a washing machine;
• dishwasher unit;
• powerful electric stove (stove).

Moreover, this type of apparatus (selective), as a rule, acts as the second protective stage, while the first stage has an RCD cut-off with direct direct contact.

That is, there is a group inclusion of devices and this is really an effective option in terms of the safety of operation of household electrical networks.

Nuances of connecting type S modules

Actually, the nuances are the same as the process of connecting standard protective devices.

The terminals of each of the devices have a specific purpose (phase, zero) and are designated accordingly.

Terminal blocks on the protection device and designations for connecting electrical lines. Also shown is the designation of the button for performing a test operation for the correct operation of the RCD

During installation, it is unacceptable to change the positions of the terminals relative to their purpose in relation to the power supply circuits.

If you connect a zero bus instead of a phase, this is at least the prospect of failure of the device itself. It is extremely difficult to mix up two points, but in practice it happens.

Another nuance is setting up a module for an existing electric circuit in terms of boundary current cutoff.

If the design does not imply options for adjusting the current, you should correctly select the device according to technical and operational characteristics.

Finally, the required connection nuance is device testing in the mode of supplying power to the load circuit.

This function is simple and requires only one action - activation of a special button, which is so designated on the body / in the documentation as “Test”.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Accessible and understandable video explanation of the selectivity of the protective device:

The video demonstrates the practice of connecting a group of devices to the circuit and the actual action of the devices in emergency situations:

Often you can find reasoning about the ease of incorporating an RCD into the electricity network of a private home. Together with reasoning, it is often recommended to do this work with your own hands. The motive is known - saving. However, saving on your own safety is not the best choice. And therefore, such actions for the installation of a selective protection device should always be carried out by the hands of a professional electrician.

Do you have experience using or connecting selective RCDs and you can supplement our material with interesting information on the topic of the article? Please write your comments, ask questions in the block below.