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Why RCD protection matters in industry
Industrial sites bring together heavy equipment, damp or dusty conditions, portable tools and long cable runs, so the risk of electric shock is higher than in most buildings. A residual current device (RCD) monitors the balance of current in a circuit and switches off the supply within a fraction of a second if current is leaking to earth, for example through damaged insulation, a faulty tool or a person. That fast disconnection reduces the risk of a fatal shock and of fires caused by earth leakage.
RCDs are particularly important in wash-down areas, outdoor yards, workshops and anywhere portable equipment is plugged in and moved around. The qualified industrial electricians you compare through Kilowatts UK can assess where protection is needed across your site.
What the rules require
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to make sure electrical systems are constructed and maintained to prevent danger, so far as is reasonably practicable. New work is designed to BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, the current IET Wiring Regulations, which requires 30 mA RCD protection for mobile equipment rated up to 32 A used outdoors and, in general, for socket-outlets rated up to 32 A. In non-domestic premises a documented risk assessment can justify omitting it from specific sockets. On construction sites, reduced low voltage (110 V) supplies are commonly used for portable tools.
Designing RCD protection for industrial loads
Industrial installations need more thought than a home consumer unit:
- Three-phase RCDs and RCBOs protect three-phase final circuits and equipment.
- Discrimination. Time-delayed (Type S) RCDs upstream, with 30 mA devices on final circuits, mean a fault trips only the nearest device rather than a whole distribution board.
- The right RCD type. Variable speed drives, inverters and some electronic equipment can produce fault currents that ordinary devices may not detect, so Type F or Type B RCDs may be needed. Type AC devices are restricted.
- Nuisance tripping. Leakage from many items of equipment can add up on one RCD; spreading circuits sensibly avoids unwanted trips.
RCD work is often combined with distribution board upgrades or new industrial lighting, so the whole installation is brought up to date with less downtime.
Testing, certification and maintenance
New circuits and major alterations should come with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) to BS 7671. RCD test buttons should be pressed regularly; Electrical Safety First recommends every six months, and harsh environments may justify more often. Fixed installations need periodic inspection and testing, with the interval set by the inspector according to the type of site, its use and its condition; regular industrial electrical inspections help you meet your EAWR maintenance duty. If you are reviewing energy costs as well, the industrial solar comparison tool lets you compare renewable specialists. Submit your project details, compare quotes from local electricians, or call Kilowatts UK free on 0800 009 6058.