Do all residual current devices (RCDs) use the same operating principle?
A.
Yes, they all detect current differences on live and neutral wire
B.
Yes, they all measure voltage on the earth conductor
C.
No, ELCB measures earth voltage, whereas RCD detects current differences
D.
No, depending on regulations some use thermal-magnetic operation
The Answer Is:
C
This question includes an explanation.
Explanation:
Residual current protection has evolved:
ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker): Older type; voltage-operated. It trips when voltage develops between earth and exposed metal.
RCD/RCCB (Residual Current Device/Circuit Breaker): Current-operated. It detects imbalance between live and neutral conductors (indicating leakage current to earth).
Modern data centers use RCDs/RCCBs exclusively, since ELCBs are obsolete and unreliable if multiple earth connections exist. Thermal-magnetic breakers (D) provide overcurrent protection, not earth leakage.
Thus, not all residual current devices are based on the same principle.