As previously mentioned, the RCBO ensures protection against two types of electrical fault. The first of these faults is the residual current or earth leakage. This will happen when there is an accidental break in the circuit, which may occur as a result of wiring errors or DIY accidents (such as cutting through a cable when using an electric hedge cutter). If the supply of electricity isn’t broken, then the individual will experience a potentially fatal electric shock

The other type of electrical fault is the overcurrent, which may take the form of an overload or short circuit, In the first instance. The circuit will be overloaded with too many electrical devices, resulting in the transfer of power exceeding the cable capacity. Short-circuiting may also happen as a result of insufficient circuit resistance and high-eve multiplication of the amperage. This is associated with a greater level of risk than overloading

Have a look at the RCBO varieties available from different brands below.

RCBO vs. MCB

MCB cannot protect against earth faults, while the RCBOs can protect against electric shocks and earth faults.

MCBs monitor the current flow and interrupt circuits during short circuits and overload. In contrast, RCBOs monitor the current flow through the line and return flow in the neutral line. Also, the RCBOs can interrupt the circuit during earth leakage, short circuit, and overcurrent.

You can use MCBs to protect air conditioners, lighting circuits, and other appliances apart from devices and heaters with direct contact with water. In contrast, you can use RCBO for protection against electric shock. Therefore, you can use it to interrupt the power, power sockets, water heaters where you might have the possibility of an electric shock.

You can select MCBs based on the maximum short circuit current and load it can safely interrupt and trip curve. The RCBOs include the combination of RCBO and MCB. You can select them based on the maximum short circuit current and load, and it can trip the curve, interrupt, and offer maximum leakage current.

MCB can offer protection against short circuits and overcurrent, while the RCBO can protect against earth leakage currents, short circuits, and overcurrent.

RCBO is better since it can protect against earth leakage currents, short circuits, and overcurrent, while MCB only offers protection against short circuits and overcurrent. Also, RCBO can protect electric shocks and earth faults, but MCBs might not.

When would you use an RCBO?

You can use RCBO for protection against electric shocks. In particular, you can use it to interrupt the power sockets and water heater, where you can get a possibility of electric shocks.

The term RCBO stands for Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current protection. RCBOs combine protection against earth leakage currents as well as against overcurrents (overload or short-circuit). Their function might sound like that of an RCD (Residual Current Device) in terms of overcurrent and short-circuit protection, and that is true. So what is the difference between an RCD and RCBO?

An RCBO is designed to combine the functionality of an MCB and RCD to ensure the safe operations of electrical circuits. MCDs are used to provide protection against over-currents and RCDs are created to detect earth leakages. Whereas the RCBO device is used to provide protection against overloads, short circuits, and earth leakage currents.

The purpose of RCBO devices is to provide protection on the electrical circuits to ensure that the electrical circuit is running safely. If the current is unbalanced, it is the RCBO’s role to disconnect/break the circuit to prevent potential damage and hazards to the electrical circuit or to the end user.

As the name suggests, RCBOs are designed to protect against two types of faults. The two common faults that can occur within electrical currents are Earth Leakage and Over-Currents.

Earth leakage occurs when there is an accidental break in the circuit which can cause accidents such as electrical shocks. Earth leakages often occur due to poor installation, poor wiring or DIY jobs.

There are two different forms of over-current. The first form is overload which occurs when there are too many electrical applications on one circuit. Overloading the electrical circuit increases the advised capacity and can cause damage to the electrical equipment and power systems which can lead to hazards such as electrical shock, fire, and even explosions.

The second form is a short circuit. A short circuit occurs when there is an abnormal connection between two connections of an electric circuit at different voltages. This can cause damage to the circuit including overheating or a potential fire. As stated before, RCDs are used to protect against earth leakages and MCBs are used to protect against over-current. Whereas the RCBOs are designed to protect against both earth leakages and over-currents.

RCBOs have many benefits over using individual RCDs and MCBs which include the following:

1.RCBOs are designed as an “All in One” device. The device provides the protection of both an MCB and an RCD which means there is no need to purchase them separately.

2.RCBOs are able to identify faults within the circuit and are able to prevent potential electrical hazards such as electrical shocks.

3.The RCBO will automatically break the electrical circuit when the circuit is unbalanced to reduce electrical shocks and prevent damage to the consumer unit boards. Additionally, RCBOs will trip the single circuit.

4.RCBOs have a short installation time. However, it is advised for an experienced electrician to install the RCBO to ensure smooth and safe installation

5.RCBOs facilitate safe testing and maintenance of electrical equipment

6.The device is used to reduce unwanted tripping.

7.RCBOs are used to enhance protection for the electrical device, the end user, and their property.

A three-phase RCBO is a specialised type of safety device used in three-phase electrical systems, standard in commercial and industrial settings. These devices maintain the safety advantages of a standard RCBO, offering protection against electrical shocks due to current leakage and overcurrent situations that could lead to electrical fires. In addition, three-phase RCBOs are designed to handle the complexities of three-phase power systems, making them essential for protecting equipment and personnel in environments where such systems are in use.