Here’s What You Need to Know About RCBO Protection

22:17 27 September 2020

A residual current device (RCD), which is also known as a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB), is an electrical device that enables rapid electricity disconnection and reduces the chances of prolonged and potentially severe electric shocks. But what about protection for human safety? This is where an RCBO comes into action. When an RCD device is equipped with overcurrent protection, it is termed an RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breaker With Overcurrent Protection).

 

RCBOs are electrical devices that are designed to offer protection for the safe operation of electrical circuits by enabling a disconnection trigger when any current disbalance gets detected. RCBOs ate used for combining protection against both current overloads and short-circuits from earth leakages.

 

What is the Primary Function Of An RCBO?

 

The primary function of RCBO is to ensure safety and protection against earth leakage or fault currents, electrical overloads, and short circuit fluxes. Usually, it is recommended that an RCBO gets attached to individual separate circuits, which makes sure that if there is a fault in one of the circuits, then it won’t affect the functioning of the other circuits.

 

RCBOs allow the disconnection of the circuit from the mainline for enabling protection to humans and equipment in case there is a current imbalance. You can use RCBOs exclusively as an overcurrent protective device after matching it with the graded short-circuit capacity.

 

You will find RCBO designs and testing requirements outlined in the established standards: IEC/EN 61009: for residual current circuit-breakers with essential overload protection for domestic and related uses.

 

How Does An RCBO Work?

 

As previously stated, RCBOs mainly ensure safety and protection against two different types of an electrical fault, namely:

 

• Earth Leakage or Current Faults
  
  

The first type of electrical fault is the residual current or earth leakage currents. Such faults arise when there is an accidental break in the circuit that occurs as a consequence of wiring errors or accidents like slicing through a cable when utilizing an electric cutter. In case the electricity supply hasn’t been broken, there’s a possibility that the person might experience a fatal electrical shock.

 

• Overcurrent
  
  

The second type of electrical fault is that of overcurrent, which later takes the form of a current overload or earth leakage short circuit. In the first order, the circuit gets overloaded with multiple electrical devices and results in the transmission of power that exceeds the cable capacity. Short-circuiting may also occur due to inadequate circuit resistance and elevated-level growth of the amperage multiplication - associated with a broader level of risk than overloads.

 

How to Appropriately Fit An RCBO?

 

Before you proceed with the installation of RCBO, you should ascertain that your chosen RCBO offers a minimum of 10mA protection, and comes with a 25A current rating, SRIM certifications, and delivers A-type protection. You also require quick and easy access to both live and neutral wiring of the electrical circuit. Additionally, you will need a suitable screwdriver for properly attaching the RCBO and need to use a test pen to make sure that the power is switched off when disconnected from the mains supply.

 

For the RCBO to work correctly and effectively, you need to ensure attaching the appropriate wiring connection. Remember to attach the cable to the corresponding terminal and then tighten it with the screwdriver. Then, you can begin connecting the RCBO’s earth wire to the bar and then again tighten it up with the help of a screwdriver.

 

Once finished, you can advance to turn on the RCBO and connected equipment’s power. As a trial, you should check the installation by flipping the RCBO test button and confirm that the current connection trips. If not, you need to reconnect the terminal in some situations.

 

And easy way to avoid going through the hassle of unsuccessful RCBO installation is to consult with an electrical professional and avail their expertise. RCBOs offer significant protection against electrical incidents. So, while installing the same, make sure you do it with the help of a licensed professional to make sure you are installing the best of RCBOs appropriately.