John asks this question, which concerns the correct part of a circuit to carry out circuit protection device tests from. It has been answered by SELECT (Theme – Distribution Equipment):
This Q & A is one of thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area, and answered on a daily basis by our Voltimum Experts.
Question: When testing an RCD or RCBO, where is the correct part of the circuit from which to carry out the full range of tests?
I have always tested at the nearest point to the start of the installation, and have carried this out at the distribution board, as I thought that I was only testing the RCD / RCBO, and not the circuit itself. I’ve now been informed that this is wrong and that I should carry out the tests out from the part of the circuit that the device is protecting.
Any advice that you can provide would be a great help.
Answer: The tests can be carried out at any point on the load side of the RCD.
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