Editing Residual-current device (section)

==Regulation and adoption==
{{more citations needed section|date=February 2012}}
Regulations differ widely from country to country. A single RCD installed for an entire electrical installation provides protection against shock hazards to all circuits, however, any fault may cut all power to the premises. A solution is to create groups of circuits, each with an RCD, or to use an RCBO for each individual circuit.{{efn|Using an RCBO for each circuit can be much more expensive as of 2020.|name=rcboexpensive}}<ref>{{cite web |title=What is an RCBO and how does it work? Residual Current Overload Protection |url=https://www.fusebox.shop/pages/what-is-an-rcbo-consumer-unit |website=www.fusebox.shop |access-date=2 January 2022}}</ref>

=== Australia ===
In Australia, residual current devices have been mandatory on power circuits since 1991 and on light circuits since 2000.<ref>[http://www.saiglobal.com/PDFTemp/Previews/OSH/as/as3000/3000/N3000.pdf SAA Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000:2007, Including Amendments 1 & 2], SAI Global Limited</ref> In Queensland specifically, residual power devices have been compulsory for all new homes since 1992.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

A minimum of two RCDs is required per domestic installation. All socket outlets and lighting circuits are to be distributed over circuit RCDs. A maximum of three subcircuits only, may be connected to a single RCD. In Australia, the [https://thermalscanners.com.au/services/rcd-testing/ RCD testing] procedure must meet a set standard – this is the AS/NZS 3760:2010 in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

=== Austria ===
Austria regulated residual current devices in the ÖVE E8001-1/A1:2013-11-01 norm (most recent revision). It has been required in private housing since 1980. The maximum activation time must not exceed 0.4 seconds. It needs to be installed on all circuits with power plugs with a maximum leakage current of 30{{nbsp}}mA and a maximum rated current of 16{{nbsp}}A.<ref>ÖVE E8001-1/A1:2013-11-01</ref>

Additional requirements are placed on circuits in wet areas, construction sites and commercial buildings.

=== Belgium ===
Belgian domestic installations are required to be equipped with a 300{{nbsp}}mA residual current device that protects all circuits. Furthermore, at least one 30{{nbsp}}mA residual current device is required that protects all circuits in "wet rooms" (e.g. bathroom, kitchen) as well as circuits that power certain "wet" appliances (washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher). Electrical underfloor heating is required to be protected by a 100{{nbsp}}mA RCD. These RCDs must be of type A.

=== Brazil ===
Since NBR 5410 (1997) residual current devices and grounding are required for new construction or repair in wet areas, outdoor areas, interior outlets used for external appliances, or in areas where water is more probable like bathrooms and kitchens.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.schneider-electric.com.br/support/index?page=content&country=BR&lang=pt&locale=pt_BR&id=FA35821 | url-status=dead | title=Quando o uso do DR é obrigatório | accessdate=2014-07-23 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808194131/http://www.schneider-electric.com.br/support/index?page=content&country=BR&lang=pt&locale=pt_BR&id=FA35821 | archivedate=2014-08-08 }}</ref>

=== Denmark ===
Denmark requires 30{{nbsp}}mA RCDs on all circuits that are rated for less than 20 A (circuits at greater rating are mostly used for distribution). RCDs became mandatory in 1975 for new buildings, and then for all buildings in 2008.

=== France ===
According to the NF C 15-100 regulation (1911 -> 2002), a general RCD not exceeding 100 to 300{{nbsp}}mA at the origin of the installation is mandatory. Moreover, all circuits must also include 30{{nbsp}}mA protections in the user's [[distribution board]], with each RCD protecting up to 8 [[circuit breakers]], usually on the same [[DIN rail]] (electric panels of 1 to 4 DIN rails are the norm for residential). Before 1991, this 30{{nbsp}}mA protection was mandatory only in rooms where there is water, high power or sensitive equipment (bathrooms, kitchens, IT...).<ref name="NF_C_15-100 Evolution">{{cite web |title=NF C 15-100 evolution (in French) |date=23 January 2025 |url=https://izi-by-edf.fr/blog/nfc-15-100-elaboration/#L%E2%80%99evolution_de_la_norme_NFC_15-100}}</ref> The type of RCD required (A, AC, F) depends upon the type of the equipment that will be connected and the maximum power of the socket outlet. Minimal distances between electrical devices and water or the floor are described and mandatory.

=== Germany ===
Since 1 May 1984, RCDs are mandatory for all rooms with a [[bath tub]] or a [[shower]]. Since June 2007 Germany requires the use of RCDs with a trip current of no more than 30{{nbsp}}mA on sockets rated up to 32{{nbsp}}A which are for general use. ([[DIN]] ''[[Verband der Elektrotechnik, Elektronik und Informationstechnik]]'' (VDE) 0100-410 Nr. 411.3.3). It is not allowed to use type "AC" RCDs since 1987, to be used to protect humans against electrical shocks. It must be Type "A" or type "B".

=== India ===
According to Regulation 36 of the Electricity Regulations 1990

a) For a place of public entertainment, protection against earth leakage current must be provided by a residual current device of sensitivity not exceeding 10{{nbsp}}mA.

b) For a place where the floor is likely to be wet or where the wall or enclosure is of low electrical resistance, protection against earth leakage current must be provided by a residual current device of sensitivity not exceeding 10{{nbsp}}mA.

c) For an installation where hand-held equipment, apparatus or appliance is likely to be used, protection against earth leakage current must be provided by a residual current device of sensitivity not exceeding 30{{nbsp}}mA.

d) For an installation other than the installation in (a), (b) and (c), protection against earth leakage current must be provided by a residual current device of sensitivity not exceeding 100{{nbsp}}mA.

=== Italy ===
The Italian law (n. 46 March 1990) prescribes RCDs with no more than 30{{nbsp}}mA residual current (informally called "salvavita"—life saver, after early [[Bticino|BTicino]] models, or differential circuit breaker for the mode of operation) for all domestic installations to protect all the lines. The law was recently updated to mandate at least two separate RCDs for separate domestic circuits. Short-circuit and overload protection has been compulsory since 1968.

=== Malaysia ===
In the latest guidelines for electrical wiring in residential buildings (2008) handbook,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ocw.ump.edu.my/pluginfile.php/11228/mod_resource/content/1/ST%20Guidelines%20For%20Electrical%20Wiring.pdf|title=GUIDELINES FOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS}}</ref> the overall residential wiring need to be protected by a residual current device of sensitivity not exceeding 100{{nbsp}}mA. Additionally, all power sockets need to be protected by a residual current device of sensitivity not exceeding 30{{nbsp}}mA and all equipment in wet places (water heater, water pump) need to be protected by a residual current device of sensitivity not exceeding 10{{nbsp}}mA.

=== New Zealand ===
From January 2003, all new circuits originating at the switchboard supplying lighting or socket outlets (power points) in domestic buildings must have RCD protection. Residential facilities (such as boarding houses, hospitals, hotels and motels) will also require RCD protection for all new circuits originating at the switchboard supplying socket outlets. These RCDs will normally be located at the switchboard. They will provide protection for all electrical wiring and appliances plugged into the new circuits.<ref name=acc>[http://www.acc.co.nz/PRD_EXT_CSMP/groups/external_ip/documents/publications_promotion/pi00311.pdf ''Residual current devices - ACC''] by Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ Energy Safety Service
 (''ACC Website'', December 2002 {{ISBN|0-478-26322-8}})</ref>

=== North America ===
[[File:NEMA 5-20RA GFCI Tamper Resistant Receptacle.jpg|thumb|upright|A Leviton GFCI "Decora" socket in a North American kitchen. Local electrical code requires tamper-resistant socket in homes, and requires a GFCI for socket within 1 metre of a sink. The T-slot indicates this device is rated 20{{nbsp}}A and can take either a NEMA 5-15 or a NEMA 5-20 plug, though the latter type is rare on household appliances.]]

In North America socket-outlets located in places where an easy path to ground exists—such as wet areas and rooms with uncovered concrete floors—must be protected by a GFCI. The US ''National Electrical Code'' has required devices in certain locations to be protected by GFCIs since the 1960s. Beginning with underwater swimming pool lights (1968) successive editions of the code have expanded the areas where GFCIs are required to include: construction sites (1974), bathrooms and outdoor areas (1975), garages (1978), areas near hot tubs or spas (1981), hotel bathrooms (1984), kitchen counter sockets (1987), crawl spaces and unfinished basements (1990), near wet bar sinks (1993), near laundry sinks (2005),<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/55380/099.pdf | title=GFCIs Fact Sheet | accessdate=2009-06-28 | publisher=US Consumer Product Safety Commission }}</ref> in laundry rooms (2014)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ieci.org/codes-and-standards/2014_nec_changes | title=2014 NEC Changes | accessdate=2016-07-04 | publisher=Independent Electrical Contractors }}</ref> and in kitchens (2023).

GFCIs are commonly available as an integral part of a socket or a circuit breaker installed in the distribution panelboard. GFCI sockets invariably have rectangular faces and accept so-called Decora face plates, and can be mixed with regular outlets or switches in a multi-gang box with standard cover plates. In both Canada and the US older two-wire, ungrounded [[NEMA connector#NEMA 1|NEMA 1]] sockets may be replaced with [[NEMA connector#NEMA 5|NEMA 5]] sockets protected by a GFCI (integral with the socket or with the corresponding circuit breaker) in lieu of rewiring the entire circuit with a grounding conductor. In such cases the sockets must be labeled "no equipment ground" and "GFCI protected"; GFCI manufacturers typically provide tags for the appropriate installation description.

GFCIs approved for protection against electric shock trip at 5{{nbsp}}mA within 25{{nbsp}}ms. A GFCI device which protects equipment (not people) is allowed to trip as high as 30{{nbsp}}mA of current; this is known as an '''Equipment Protective Device (EPD)'''. RCDs with trip currents as high as 500{{nbsp}}mA are sometimes deployed in environments (such as computing centers) where a lower threshold would carry an unacceptable risk of accidental trips. These high-current RCDs serve for equipment and fire protection instead of protection against the risks of electrical shocks.

{{anchor|Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter}}
In the United States the [[American Boat and Yacht Council]] requires both GFCIs for outlets and Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupters (ELCI) for the entire boat. The difference is GFCIs trip on 5{{nbsp}}mA of current whereas ELCIs trip on 30{{nbsp}}mA after up to 100{{nbsp}}ms. The greater values are intended to provide protection while minimizing nuisance trips.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paneltronics.com/Atimo_s/news/ELCI_Sept2010.pdf|title=Microsoft Word - ELCI White Paper September 1 2010.DOC|last1=Gropper|last2=Criner|publisher=Paneltronics, Inc|date=1 September 2010|accessdate=16 March 2015}}</ref>

=== Norway ===
In Norway, it has been required in all new homes since 2002, and on all new sockets since 2006. This applies to 32{{nbsp}}A sockets and below. The RCD must trigger after a maximum 0.4 seconds for 230{{nbsp}}V circuits, or 0.2 seconds for 400{{nbsp}}V circuits.

=== South Africa ===
South Africa mandated the use of Earth Leakage Protection devices in residential environments (e.g. houses, flats, hotels, etc.) from October 1974, with regulations being refined in 1975 and 1976.<ref>[http://www.ee.co.za/article/the-importance-of-installing-earth-leakage-units.html The Importance of Installing Earth Leakage Units]</ref>
Devices need to be installed in new premises and when repairs are carried out. Protection is required for power outlets and lighting, with the exception of emergency lighting that should not be interrupted. The standard device used in South Africa is indeed a hybrid of ELPD and RCCB.<ref>{{cite book|title=SANS 10142-1|date=2009|publisher=SABS Standards Division|isbn=978-0-626-23226-9}}</ref>

=== Switzerland ===
According to the NIBT regulation, the use of RCD type AC is forbidden (since 2010).

=== Taiwan ===
Taiwan requires circuits of receptacles in washrooms, balconies, and receptacles in kitchen no more than 1.8 metres from the sink the use of earth leakage circuit breakers. This requirement also apply to circuit of water heater in washrooms and circuits that involves devices in water, lights on metal frames, public drinking fountains and so on. In principle, [[Earth-leakage_circuit_breaker|ELCBs]] should be installed on branch circuits, with trip current no more than 30{{nbsp}}mA within 0.1 second according to Taiwanese law.

=== Turkey ===
Turkey requires the use of RCDs with no more than 30{{nbsp}}mA and 300{{nbsp}}mA in all new homes since 2004. This rule was introduced in RG-16/06/2004-25494.<ref>[http://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/MevzuatMetin/yonetmelik/7.5.10391.doc], Procedure of Electrical Installation Projects</ref>

=== United Kingdom ===
{{main|Electrical wiring in the United Kingdom}}
The current (18th) edition of the [[BS 7671|IET Electrical Wiring Regulations]] requires that all socket outlets in most  installations have RCD protection, though there are exemptions. Non armoured cables buried in walls must also be RCD protected (again with some specific exemptions). Provision of RCD protection for circuits present in bathrooms and shower rooms reduces the requirement for supplementary bonding in those locations. Two RCDs may be used to cover the installation, with upstairs and downstairs lighting and power circuits spread across both RCDs. When one RCD trips, power is maintained to at least one lighting and power circuit. Other arrangements, such as the use of RCBOs, may be employed to meet the regulations. The new requirements for RCDs do not affect most existing installations unless they are rewired, the distribution board is changed, a new circuit is installed, or alterations are made such as additional socket outlets or new cables buried in walls.

RCDs used for shock protection must be of the 'immediate' operation type (not time-delayed) and must have a residual current sensitivity of no greater than 30{{nbsp}}mA.

If spurious tripping would cause a greater problem than the risk of the electrical accident the RCD is supposed to prevent (examples might be a supply to a critical factory process, or to life support equipment), RCDs may be omitted, providing affected circuits are clearly labelled and the balance of risks considered; this may include the provision of alternative safety measures.

The previous edition of the regulations required use of RCDs for socket outlets that were liable to be used by outdoor appliances. Normal practice in domestic installations was to use a single RCD to cover all the circuits requiring RCD protection (typically sockets and showers) but to have some circuits (typically lighting) not RCD protected.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.consumerunitworld.co.uk/what-is-an-rcd-and-how-does-it-work-337-c.asp | title=What is an RCD and How Does it Work? - The RCD and the UK Electrical Wiring Regulations | accessdate=2017-12-23 | publisher=Consumer Unit World }}</ref> This was to avoid a potentially dangerous loss of lighting should the RCD trip. Protection arrangements for other circuits varied. To implement this arrangement it was common to install a [[consumer unit]] incorporating an RCD in what is known as a split load configuration, where one group of circuit breakers is supplied direct from the main switch (or time delay RCD in the case of a [[Earthing_system#TT_system|TT earth]]) and a second group of circuits is supplied via the RCD. This arrangement had the recognised problems that cumulative earth leakage currents from the normal operation of many items of equipment could cause spurious tripping of the RCD, and that tripping of the RCD would disconnect power from all the protected circuits.