Western Automation Emobility has spent over 30 years developing the highest quality RCD technology on the market today and our RCD technology is continuously improving to meet the needs of customers and market conditions.
A residual current is any current flowing to earth (ground) through a person or equipment that could present a shock risk or a fire risk.
A Residual Current Device (RCD) is a device intended to detect dangerous residual currents and thereby mitigate the risk of electric shock or fire. In the case of EV charging, there is a risk of AC and DC residual currents, and it is vitally important that the RCD technology used has the ability to detect AC and DC residual currents.
The listed RCDs are intended to detect AC residual currents only. A Type B RCD can detect AC and DC residual currents, and is ideally suited for use in EV charging. However, Type B RCDs can be relatively expensive. A new type of RCD has emerged recently, known as an EV RCD. This can also detect AC and DC residual currents, but has been optimised for use in EV charging and is a lower cost alternative to a Type B RCD.
The term RCD is generic and covers different types of devices such as:
The primary requirement in providing protection during EV charging is the ability to detect AC and DC residual currents. The two main methods of EV charging are Mode 2 and Mode 3. The requirements for Mode 2 and Mode 3 are set out in the following IEC standards:
IEC 62752 requires the use of in-cable control and protection devices (IC-CPD) for EV charging.
IEC 62955 requires the use of a charging unit fitted in a wall box for stand-alone charging stations
Western Automation Emobility uses patented technologies for EV charging applications and can advise customers on how to avoid possible patent infringement problems from 3rd parties.