What is an RCBO and How Does it Work?1. Introduction2. When to use an RCBO |
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In order to reduce the number of injuries caused by electric shock, the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations state that all circuits must be protected from earth leakage. In many domestic situations, this is achieved by the use of an RCD which protects a bank of circuits simultaneously. Our image shows two banks of green MCBs (which protect circuits from over-current), under the earth leakage protection of the 2 RCDs, coloured blue. Whilst this is a cost effective and still popular solution it has a considerable drawback as an earth leakage fault on one of the circuits will knock out the power to all the other circuits on that RCD. |
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An example of 'nuisance tripping', this is a serious problem if the other circuits distribute power to your fridge freezer, security system, fire alarm panel or tropical fish tank for example. Such circuits are often referred to as 'mission critical circuits' though what constitutes 'mission critical' of course depends on the home owner. An RCBO, which does the job of both an RCD and MCB, thus prevents this type of nuisance tripping and should be used on mission critical circuits. Our image shows a main switch consumer unit, populated exclusively with RCBOs. Many electricians consider this the best circuit protection solution as every single circuit is independently protected from both over-current and earth leakage. |
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This image shows a high integrity consumer unit which has three neutral bars and thus gives three banks of circuits. Allowing for two RCD protected banks of MCBs and a bank of RCBOs they offer total circuit separation for mission critical circuits and cost effective protection for standard circuits. High Integrity consumer units are becoming increasingly popular with electricians because they offer highly flexible circuit design - and homeowners because they offer excellent protection without breaking the bank. They are particularly good in projects requiring 12 or more circuits. |
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