Protective Devices Flashcards
Name as many protection devices as you can? (7 devices).
Earthing (not an actual protection device).
Fuses.
RCBO.
RCD.
MCB.
SPD.
AFDD.
On a MCB what is the number in the enclosed box
This is the “Ka” number this is the breaking capacity of the device
What will the Amps reach in a short circuit
The amps can reach hundreds or thousands in a short circuit
How does an RCD work
Opening contacts when a fault is met causing the supply to be disconnected
What does an RCD protect against
Earth faults
What does an RCD protect
The person
Does an RCD have overload protection
No only earth protection
How many amps to kill a human?
Only 50mA
What are some problems of RCD’s
Nuisance tripping
They are expensive
Cannot be used on fire protection circuits
TT systems don’t provide enough of a fault current to operate an RCD
What are some advantages of an MCB
Tamper proof
Easy to reset
Operated differently depending on short circuit or overload fault
What are some disadvantages of an MCB
Cost
Need to be tested regularly
Have moving parts
Temperature can affect operation
What does RCBO stand for?
Residual Current operated circuit Breaker with integral Overcurrent protection.
What does an RCBO protect against?
Overloads and short-circuits. An RCBO is basically a RCD and MCB in one.
What does SPD stand for?
Surge Protective Device
What do RCBO’s protect? (equipment or people)
RCBO’s are there to protect people however they will also protect equipment incase of over current.
What do SPD’s protect? (Equipment of people)
SPD’s protect equipment.
What does an SPD protect against?
SPD’s connect against power surges.
What types of circuits are vulnerable to transient overvoltages (power surges)?
Safety circuits such as fire detection systems and emergency lighting circuits.
Where is a type 1 SPD usually installed?
Installed at the origin. (Main distribution board)
Where is a type 2 SPD usually installed?
Type 2 SPD’s are usually installed in sub distribution board.
Where are combined type 1+2 SPD Installed ?
Combined type 1+2 SPD’s are usually installed in consumer units