What is the maximum residual current rating for an RCD installed in a patient treatment area?

In patient treatment areas, the maximum residual current rating for a Residual Current Device (RCD) is typically set at 10mA. This lower threshold is crucial for safety in environments where patients might have compromised health or where sensitive medical equipment is in use.

The rationale behind this maximum limit is to provide a high level of protection for patients against electric shock, as even a small amount of current can be dangerous, especially in vulnerable individuals. The 10mA rating represents a balance between ensuring patient safety and minimizing the risk of nuisance tripping of the RCD, which could interrupt medical procedures.

Using a 10mA RCD ensures that if a fault occurs, the device will trip quickly to disconnect the electrical supply, thereby reducing the potential for severe electric shock. This specification reflects best practices in electrical safety standards for medical environments, emphasizing patient welfare and electrical safety.

In contrast, higher current ratings, such as 15mA or 20mA, do not provide the same level of protection and can therefore be considered inappropriate for direct patient treatment areas.