RCD not tripping, but fuse blowing!

[zigg]

I have a mobile RCD device plugged into a wall socket from which I run an extension cable to my shed. I managed to short circuit something in my shed, but, instead of the RCD tripping, the 13a fuse in the plug blew. Something tells me that this isn't right. I tested the RCD, and everything's fine. Could the RCD still be faulty?

 

[EFLImpudence]

RCDs don't react to short circuits, L-N; only earth faults, L-E or N-E.

 

[Jackrae]

The fuse is there to protect the cable, the RCD is there to protect you. If you want a device to do both, then you need an RCBO

 

[zigg]

Thanks for your replies.
So what you're saying is, if I touched the wire, the RCD would trip, but a short would, as what happened, blow the fuse? Have I got that right?

 

[EFLImpudence]

if I touched the wire, the RCD would trip,

If enough current flows through you to earth, yes.

but a short would, as what happened, blow the fuse?

Yes, a short circuit is between L and N.

Have I got that right?

Yes, don't try it.

 

[zigg]

Thanks.....