Electrical Systems always have the possibility of shutdowns due to over currents or short circuits produced by operation mistakes, ambient conditions, lack of maintenance, or atmospheric discharges....More
Electrical Systems always have the possibility of shutdowns due to over currents or short circuits produced by operation mistakes, ambient conditions, lack of maintenance, or atmospheric discharges. In the case of a short circuit, this can be classified in the next types:
1. Bolted Faults
It occurs when the conductors (phase, neutral, or ground) are solidly connected, having an impedance equal to cero on this connection and because this, a maximum current condition is present.
2. Ground Fault
It occurs when one of the system phases get on direct contact to the ground or to any metallic part that is grounded.
3. Arcing Fault
It happens between two close conductors but not in direct contact.
RCDs are the safest device to detect and trip against electrical leakage currents, thus ensuring protection against electric shock caused by indirect contacts.