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The differential switch: make the right choice for your safety!

The differential switch is a major electrical component of the electrical panel. When building or renovating your electrical installation, you must make the right choices. Opt for a differential switch, yes! But which one should you choose? A type A or a type B switch? Or a type AC differential switch? Or maybe a type F? In this short article, you will discover what a differential switch is, what it is used for and, above all, how to make the right choices for your safety. Your professional electrician CD Engineering answers you.

What is a differential switch?

The differential switch is an electrical element that is mounted on the electrical box. Mandatory in your home and mounted in several copies, its role is very simple! It is there to protect you against the risks of electric shocks in case of current leakage. It is sometimes mistaken for the main circuit breaker which has a very similar appearance. The latter also protects you against electrification and electrocution, in addition to protecting your electrical appliances from overvoltage.
The differential switch is then an essential element in your electrical installation. As you can see, it is there to protect your family from serious electrical accidents.

Several types of differential switches for various uses

Knowing how to correctly choose your differential switch also means being aware of what you can connect to it. To do this, you need to understand what type AC, A and F take into account.

The AC type differential switch is ideal for protecting common circuits. Power sockets, lights and most electrical installations and appliances will be protected by AC type. If you have an electric heating circuit, this type of switch is more than sufficient.
The type A differential switch is used with special circuits. It is essential if you want to connect your hotplates, your washing machine or even charge your electric vehicle.
The type F differential switch is designed to protect appliances sensitive to electrical micro cuts. Your freezer and your computer equipment will be much safer with this one because it detects high frequency faults.

Respecting certain rules of connection is of high importance

To finalize your choice of differential switches and to use them correctly, you still have to pay attention to some rules. The standard in force in Belgium, recommends to associate a maximum of 8 different circuits to each switch. Moreover, each switch must respect at least the power of the electrical device to which it is connected. Indeed, if it’s too sensitive, then the differential switch will not work properly. On the other hand, if it’s too low, it will not properly protect you from the dangers of a current leak.

Don’t forget to have your electrical installation checked. This work can be done by a certified electrician like CD Engineering. Are you planning a renovation? We also take care of the electrical renovation of homes and industrial buildings. Checking the proper functioning of your electrical installation is to secure the occupants of your home!

Don’t forget to have your electrical installation checked. This work can be done by a certified electrician like CD Engineering. Are you planning a renovation? We also take care of the electrical renovation of homes and industrial buildings. Checking the proper functioning of your electrical installation is to secure the occupants of your home!

In addition, every dwelling must have at least two differential switches (one AC and one A). We also advise you to divide the circuits of lighting, electric heating and power sockets under at least two switches. Then, in case of a power outage, you will have at least part of your heaters to heat you and some lights to light you.