Once again it appears to me that the good old British have latched onto an idea and are going completely over the top with it.


Why do British electricians and others think that there is a major problem with Type AC RCDs and only Type A should be installed in domestic installations, when elesewhere in Europe the requirement is to have one of each?


”What should be connected to a type A differential switch?


A differential switch is a modular device intended to be placed in the electrical panel. Its purpose is to protect people against electrical hazards. The N FC 15-100 standard requires the installation of a minimum of two differential switches per housing, in the electrical panel. One must be AC type and protect standard circuits. The other must be type A. What should you plug into this type A differential switch? What does it protect?


What is a differential switch?


First of all, it is necessary to recall the operation and usefulness of a differential switch. This modular device is placed in the electrical panel, between the general circuit breaker and the branch circuit breakers.

 

Its goal ? Protect people from the risk of electric shock, while circuit breakers are there to detect overloads and short circuits - and shut off the circuit if necessary. It can protect up to 8 circuits, themselves secured by individual circuit breakers.

 

The differential switch cuts off when the difference between the incoming and outgoing current is greater than 30 mA (milliamps), because the electrical current can be dangerous for people above 50 mA. This is called a current leak.

 

The rating is measured in amperes and corresponds to the maximum current that the differential switch can withstand. You should know that the type of switch has no impact on the sensitivity or the intensity. A type A can withstand 25A, 40A or 63A, just like an AC type; and all display 30mA.


What should be connected to a type A differential switch?


The type A differential switch is therefore designed to protect circuits associated with devices creating direct currents, in particular hobs, washing machines and the charging socket of an electric vehicle.

 

The N FC 15-100 standard requires these devices to be connected to a dedicated circuit protected by a type A differential switch, with a sensitivity of 30 mA. But that's not all: it also recommends associating only a maximum of 8 circuits with each differential switch.

 

In addition, all housing must be protected by two differential switches (one AC and one A). It is strongly recommended to divide the lighting circuits and outlets under two switches, so as to ensure continuous operation of the lights and appliances.

 

Remember to test your RCDs regularly - regardless of the type! You must ensure that they are functioning properly, otherwise they will not be able to ensure the safety of the occupants of the accommodation.

 

Many devices can be placed under the type A differential switch but the NF C 15-100 standard requires at least the following devices: hobs, washing machine and electric vehicle charging socket.


The different types of differential switches


Since it comes down to figuring out what can be plugged into a Type A differential switch, that means there are several. Here are which ones:

The AC type is designed to protect common circuits, in particular sockets and lighting, but also most installations (oven, fridge, VMC, etc.). This differential switch detects AC component faults.

Type A protects special circuits, designed to be associated with particular devices. This differential switch detects AC and DC component faults.

Type F is intended for the protection of devices sensitive to electrical micro-cuts (freezers, computers, etc.). We speak of a "high immune power" differential switch. It detects AC and DC component faults, as well as high frequency fault currents.

 

Take a look at the selection guide dedicated to electrical panels and circuit breakers to discover the different types of residual current devices.”

https://www.legrand.fr/questions-frequentes/que-doit-on-brancher-sur-un-interrupteur-differentiel-de-type-a

Once again it appears to me that the good old British have latched onto an idea and are going completely over the top with it.


Why do British electricians and others think that there is a major problem with Type AC RCDs and only Type A should be installed in domestic installations, when elesewhere in Europe the requirement is to have one of each?


”What should be connected to a type A differential switch?


A differential switch is a modular device intended to be placed in the electrical panel. Its purpose is to protect people against electrical hazards. The N FC 15-100 standard requires the installation of a minimum of two differential switches per housing, in the electrical panel. One must be AC type and protect standard circuits. The other must be type A. What should you plug into this type A differential switch? What does it protect?


What is a differential switch?


First of all, it is necessary to recall the operation and usefulness of a differential switch. This modular device is placed in the electrical panel, between the general circuit breaker and the branch circuit breakers.

 

Its goal ? Protect people from the risk of electric shock, while circuit breakers are there to detect overloads and short circuits - and shut off the circuit if necessary. It can protect up to 8 circuits, themselves secured by individual circuit breakers.

 

The differential switch cuts off when the difference between the incoming and outgoing current is greater than 30 mA (milliamps), because the electrical current can be dangerous for people above 50 mA. This is called a current leak.

 

The rating is measured in amperes and corresponds to the maximum current that the differential switch can withstand. You should know that the type of switch has no impact on the sensitivity or the intensity. A type A can withstand 25A, 40A or 63A, just like an AC type; and all display 30mA.


What should be connected to a type A differential switch?


The type A differential switch is therefore designed to protect circuits associated with devices creating direct currents, in particular hobs, washing machines and the charging socket of an electric vehicle.

 

The N FC 15-100 standard requires these devices to be connected to a dedicated circuit protected by a type A differential switch, with a sensitivity of 30 mA. But that's not all: it also recommends associating only a maximum of 8 circuits with each differential switch.

 

In addition, all housing must be protected by two differential switches (one AC and one A). It is strongly recommended to divide the lighting circuits and outlets under two switches, so as to ensure continuous operation of the lights and appliances.

 

Remember to test your RCDs regularly - regardless of the type! You must ensure that they are functioning properly, otherwise they will not be able to ensure the safety of the occupants of the accommodation.

 

Many devices can be placed under the type A differential switch but the NF C 15-100 standard requires at least the following devices: hobs, washing machine and electric vehicle charging socket.


The different types of differential switches


Since it comes down to figuring out what can be plugged into a Type A differential switch, that means there are several. Here are which ones:

The AC type is designed to protect common circuits, in particular sockets and lighting, but also most installations (oven, fridge, VMC, etc.). This differential switch detects AC component faults.

Type A protects special circuits, designed to be associated with particular devices. This differential switch detects AC and DC component faults.

Type F is intended for the protection of devices sensitive to electrical micro-cuts (freezers, computers, etc.). We speak of a "high immune power" differential switch. It detects AC and DC component faults, as well as high frequency fault currents.

 

Take a look at the selection guide dedicated to electrical panels and circuit breakers to discover the different types of residual current devices.”

https://www.legrand.fr/questions-frequentes/que-doit-on-brancher-sur-un-interrupteur-differentiel-de-type-a