Sockets, fuses and RCDs in the home

In short: Fuses protect cables against overload, the RCD (residual current device) protects people from dangerous fault currents. If a fuse trips, usually an appliance is faulty or the circuit is overloaded.

In more detail: The miniature circuit breaker trips on short circuit or overcurrent. The RCD disconnects within milliseconds when current flows to earth through a body.

In detail

• Fuse trips: Unplug the loads and switch the fuse on again. If it trips straight away, have the appliance or circuit checked.
• RCD test: Press the test button on the RCD every six months. It must trip.
• Extension strips: Do not daisy-chain. Plug heavy loads (kettle, fan heater) directly into the wall socket.
• Wet rooms: Only suitable sockets with an ingress protection rating. Never touch with wet hands.
• Electrician: Work on house wiring is done only by a qualified electrician (spannung-strom-und-leistung-volt-ampere-und-watt).