The benefits of good protection in low voltage systems for developing communities

The historical development of earth leakage protection is traced. Special attention is given to the South African contribution, not only in the development of the world's first sensitive earth leakage relay, but in the production of the world's first standard specification covering these devices. Global acceptance of earth leakage circuit breakers for both shock hazard and fire hazard protection is confirmed by the ever-widening net of mandatory installation requirements. The potential cost-saving advantages through relaxation of regulatory requirements in an environment that includes shock and fire hazard protection are indicated.