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Plug in RCD 230V or 110V transformer

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
I'm curious to see what peoples opinions are on the two different options available for safer power tool use either using 110V tools with a site transformer alone or 230V tools however using these with the plug in RCD. 


I'm aware of the center tapped site transformer splitting the voltage into 55V so there is the arguement that it's only 55V pushing through your body, vs the RCD option, you're exposed to the potentially full 230V but the RCD cuts the supply almost instantly. However this is based on the RCD actually working and detecting a fault and even if it does perhaps even that brief exposure to 230V may be enough for some people to be fatal. Then again 55V maybe enough for some people too to be fatal. 


Thought?


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  • 0
    I'm not sure if you are in a factory or building site, but in my factory, years ago, we stopped using 230v tools and phased them out in favour of 110 RLV tools with portable transformers.


    the HSE expect them, NEBOSH courses are in favour, and they are generally accepted as a good way to make things safer. In court, you would be in a much better position.


    One thing to do, is stop issuing 230v extension cables, but make 110v ones readily available, this will prevent the transformers from being damaged, and results in less 240v on the floor. 


    You can distribute the 110v using centralised larger transformers, the very big ones are 63v as above, but still much safer than 230v


    If you look at the cost of RCD sockets, or RCBOs, the RLV system looks attractive, and the old excuse of tools not being powerful enough is utter nonsense.
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  • 0
    I'm not sure if you are in a factory or building site, but in my factory, years ago, we stopped using 230v tools and phased them out in favour of 110 RLV tools with portable transformers.


    the HSE expect them, NEBOSH courses are in favour, and they are generally accepted as a good way to make things safer. In court, you would be in a much better position.


    One thing to do, is stop issuing 230v extension cables, but make 110v ones readily available, this will prevent the transformers from being damaged, and results in less 240v on the floor. 


    You can distribute the 110v using centralised larger transformers, the very big ones are 63v as above, but still much safer than 230v


    If you look at the cost of RCD sockets, or RCBOs, the RLV system looks attractive, and the old excuse of tools not being powerful enough is utter nonsense.
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