Which electrical component can help prevent hazards caused by earth leakage?

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are specifically designed to prevent hazards caused by earth leakage, making them essential for electrical safety. When a fault occurs, such as when a live wire comes into contact with the ground, an RCD detects the imbalance between the live and neutral wires. This imbalance can indicate a leakage current that may be flowing through an unintended path, potentially leading to electric shock or fire. The RCD responds rapidly by cutting off the electrical supply, thereby protecting individuals from serious damage or injury.

In contrast, fuses are intended to protect against overcurrent and short circuits by breaking the circuit when excessive current flows, but they do not specifically address earth leakage. Transformers are used primarily for voltage conversion and isolation in circuits, while capacitors store electrical energy temporarily and are not designed to prevent earth leakage hazards. Therefore, the use of RCDs is critical for safeguarding against the risks associated with electrical faults.