What does the acronym RCD stand for in electrical safety?

The acronym RCD stands for Residual Current Device. This device is crucial for electrical safety as it is designed to detect any imbalance between the outgoing and incoming electrical currents. When an imbalance is detected—often caused by current leakage to the earth or a fault condition—the RCD rapidly disconnects the electrical supply. This action helps to prevent serious electrical shocks and potential fire hazards due to faulty wiring or electrical appliance malfunction.

The term "Residual Current" directly refers to the small amount of current that might leak outside the normal circuit path, and the device's ability to detect this is essential for protecting people from electric shock as well as minimizing equipment damage. Using RCDs is a best practice in both residential and commercial electrical installations to enhance safety.