Watch Out for Short Circuits in the Rainy Season!
Created By RISC | 3 months ago
Last modified date : 3 months ago
Short circuits are a common danger for homes in the rainy season, putting everyone at risk. But RISC has some handy tips for your well-being.
Electrical system design should meet requirements based on appropriate concepts and usage type. Here we’ll look at systems for villas and townhouses.
Safety is the top priority to avoid shocks and fires. Design must incorporate...
1. High-quality wires that meet TIS or IEC requirements. In general, electrical wiring for household use should be scaled to match the operational load and the size of each type of circuit protection device.
2. Lighting circuits and electrical outlets should have separate circuits in the kitchen, bathroom, and for high-energy electrical devices like air conditioners and ovens.
3. To minimize electrical shocks and short circuits, install the main electrical cabinet in an easily accessible area. Include a leakage protection device (RCD) and a circuit breaker (MCB). Install equipment to prevent electric shock and overvoltage (RCBO).
Image 1 from PMK Corporation Ltd.
Image 2 from PMK Corporation Ltd.
Residual Current Device (RCD) installation is often done in a consumer unit in the home. This equipment is used to turn off electricity automatically. The electricity will be turned off after a set amount of time when an electric current enters and exits with uneven value. In other words, some power is leaking, either from electrical appliances to the ground or through humans in contact with leaking equipment.
There are several varieties of leakage breakers, including residual current circuit breakers (RCD, RCBO, RCCB) and ground leakage circuit breakers (ELCB, GFCI). They will be used in conjunction with other types of circuit breakers such as MCB circuit breakers or MCCB circuit breakers. But there are 3 common types:
1) RCCBs (Residual Current Circuit Breakers) are used to interrupt the circuit only during a current leak and must always be fitted in conjunction with a fuse or circuit breaker.
2) RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overload Protection) are used to switch off the circuit during a leakage current, overcurrent, or short circuit current.
3) ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) is a circuit breaker that is used to prevent electric shock, detect electrical leaks, and turn off electricity, as well as protect against electrical leaks.
A leakage circuit breaker has several advantages, including preventing electrocution, fires caused by electrical leaks in electrical circuits or electrical appliances, and detecting and repairing any point of electrical current leaking to the earth. There are 2 installation techniques.
1. Install it at the main switch panel, for example, replacing the primary circuit breaker with an RCBO to prevent fires.
2. Install a branch circuit protection device, such as an RCCB, to prevent electric shock.
The following specifications must be taken into consideration while selecting a leaking cutter.
1. Industrial product standards (TIS) regulating RCBO type leakage circuit breakers (TIS 909-2005) or RCCB type leakage circuit breakers (TIS 2425-2009) must be followed in the manufacturing and testing of leakage cutters.
2. To reduce the risk of electric shock, a leakage cutter must have a leakage current rating of no more than 30 milliamperes.
3. To transfer the leaking power and allow it to flow into the ground without endangering anyone in contact with it, a leakage cutter must be fitted in conjunction with the ground wire. It also facilitates the RCD's effective operation and aids in the device's protection against overcurrent (circuit breaker).
4. Install sub-circuits at the potentially dangerous regions, such as basements, wet areas, kitchens, shower rooms, bathrooms, and electrical circuits outside of buildings. Don't forget to install sub-circuits for bathtubs and water heaters.
5. The overcurrent protection device's rated current cannot be lower than the RCD's current rating.
6. A leakage cutter needs to be of the kind that cuts off all wires from the circuit, even the neutral wire, except for the wire which is directly linked to ground.
7. Put in the RCD where the main circuit breaker is located. Select a time delay type (type S) RCD with a leakage current rating greater than 30 mA, such as 100 mA or 300 mA.
Additionally, by routinely inspecting the wiring and electrical equipment, we can prevent electric shock by using the following techniques.
1. Inspect the home's electrical equipment and wires for damage. If damage is discovered, have a qualified technician replace or repair it right away.
2. Ensure that the electrical cabinet and control panel are cleaned on a regular basis to keep out moisture and dust that could result in a short circuit.
3. Using the RCD's test button to check the short circuit protection or electric shock prevention devices every 6 months or once a year.
4. Have an expert technician inspect the electrical loading cabinet to ensure that the grounding system is still in good condition and fulfills the standards specified by the electricity authority.
5. Avoid using electrical appliances that are at risk of electrical leakage, such as washing machines or irons, particularly during heavy rain or thunderstorms. Ensure that the equipment and facilities are in a safe condition while in use.
6. Do not handle electrical equipment with wet hands, which can enhance the danger of electric shock. Always dry your hands before utilizing electrical equipment.
Story by Montri Phulanku, Senior Research Engineer, Well-Being Research Integration and Building Infrastructure Specialist, RISC