lekevoolukaitse

Lekevoolukaitse is an electrical safety feature that detects leakage current to earth and automatically disconnects the circuit to reduce the risk of electric shock. It monitors the current flowing in live and neutral conductors; if a portion of current leaks out of the intended path—such as through a person or faulty insulation—the difference between incoming and outgoing current exceeds a predefined threshold, and the device trips rapidly.

The most common form is a residual current device (RCD), also known in some contexts as RCCB. Some configurations combine residual-current protection with overcurrent protection, forming a RCBO. Residual-current devices can be designed for different fault current types, including alternating and pulsating direct current components (types AC, A, B), which affects what kinds of faults they detect.

Typical operating thresholds are around 30 milliamperes for general personal protection, with other variants offering 10 mA or higher for specialized applications. Tripping times are usually tens of milliseconds. Most units include a test button to verify operation, and some require a manual reset after tripping.

Applications and installation: lekevoolukaitse is widely used in domestic electrical installations, bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor outlets, and other areas with risk of contact with moisture. In the European Union, installation follows standards such as EN 61008/61009, along with national regulations.

Limitations: while it greatly improves safety by reducing electric shock and certain fire hazards, it does not protect against all faults, such as faults that do not involve earth leakage or faults outside the protection zone. Regular testing and professional installation are recommended.