RCDGFCI

RCDGFCI is a term used for a residual-current protective device that provides leakage-current protection and circuit interruption, and may also include overcurrent protection. It is essentially a combination of residual-current detection (to identify leakage to earth) and a mechanism to disconnect the circuit when such leakage is detected. In many markets the same functionality is provided by RCBOs, RCCB with an integrated overcurrent device, or GFCI outlets with built-in protection. The device monitors the current in live and neutral conductors; if the currents are not equal beyond a trip threshold (typically 30 mA for human protection), it trips the breaker to cut power. Trip times are designed to act within a fraction of a second to limit electric shock and fire risk.

Types and form factors include wall-mounted GFCI/receptacles with test and reset buttons, and breaker-style RCBOs for consumer, commercial, or industrial panels. Standards vary by region: in Europe devices of this type often align with IEC 61008 (RCD) and IEC 61009 (RCD with overcurrent protection), while in North America GFCI devices are typically certified to UL 943 and related codes.

Applications include kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors, and wet or conductive environments where leakage current presents a hazard. Safety considerations include regular testing with built-in test buttons, proper sizing for the circuit, and replacement if the device trip characteristics degrade. Limitations include nuisance tripping and the fact that RCDGFCIs do not protect against all electrical faults, such as line-to-line faults or insulation failures elsewhere in the circuit.