RCDs (Residual Current Devices) are circuit breakers which detect the leakage of fault current to earth and are mandatory for all new power point and lighting circuits in the home. There's a very good reason for this – they save lives and property. RCDs constantly monitor the flow of current along cables ensuring that no current passes to earth (the most common cause of electric shock).
RCD is a generic term for these types of device:
RCCB - Earth leakage protection only
RCBO - Earth leakage and short circuit protection
AFDD - Arc fault device - Earth leakage, short circuit, electrical arc fault detection
Note: New requirements only allow the sale in NZ of RCDs marked as operating at 230 volts AC, all our RCDs are guaranteed to comply.
