FAQ

You need to use an RCBO for the same reasons we recommend an RCB – to save you from accidental electrocution and prevent electrical fires. An RCBO has all the qualities of an RCD with an overcurrent detector.

An RCD is a type of circuit breaker that can automatically open the breaker in case of an earth fault. This breaker is designed to protect against the risks of accidental electrocution and fire caused by earth faults. Electricians also call it RCD (Residual Current Device) and RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) This type of breaker always has a push-button for the breaker test. You can choose from 2 or 4 poles, Amp rating from 25 A up to 100 A, tripping curve B, Type A or AC and mA rating from 30 up to 100 mA.

Ideally, it would be best to use this type of breaker to prevent accidental fires and electrocution. Any current going through a person more significant than 30 mA can drive the heart into ventricular fibrillation (or throwing the heart's rhythm off)—the most common cause of death through electric shock. An RCD stops the current within 25 to 40 milliseconds before an electric shock could occur. By contrast, conventional circuit breakers such as MCB/MCCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) or fuses break only when the current in the circuit is excessive (which can be thousands of times the leakage current an RCD responds to). A small leakage current coursing through a human body can be enough to kill you. Still, it would probably not increase the total current enough for a fuse or overload the circuit breaker and not fast enough to save your life.

The main difference between both these circuit breakers is that the RCBO is equipped with an overcurrent detector. At this point, you might be thinking about why they market these separately if there seems to be only one main difference between them? Why not sell only kind in the market? Whether you choose to use an RCBO or an RCD depends on the installation type and budget. For example, when there is an earth leak in a distribution box using all RCBO breakers, only the breaker with the faulty switch will go off. However, this kind of configuration cost is higher than using RCD's. If budget is an issue, you can configure three of four MCB under one residual current device. You can also use it for special applications like a jacuzzi or hot tub installation. These installations require faster and less activation current, generally 10mA. Ultimately, whichever breaker you want to use depends on your switchboard design and budget. However, if you're going to design or upgrade your switchboard to stay in regulation and ensure the best electrical protection for both the equipment asset and human life, make sure to get in touch with a reliable electrical specialist.

AFDD is an Arc Fault Detection Device and it is designed to detect the presence of dangerous electrical arcs and disconnect the circuit affected. Arc Fault Detection Devices work using microprocessor technology to analyse the waveform of the electricity. They detect any unusual signatures which would signify an arc on the circuit. The AFDD will instantly terminate the power to the affected circuit effectively preventing a fire. They are considerably more sensitive to arcs than conventional circuit protection devices such as MCBs & RBCOs.

Electronic RCBO is a circuit breaker integrating leakage protection, overload protection, and short-circuit protection functions, suitable for household and similar environments. Its core features include: Earth Leakage Protection: Detects residual current in the circuit and trips to cut off power upon detecting abnormal current. Overload/Short-Circuit Protection: Automatically disconnects the circuit when the load exceeds the rated value or a short circuit occurs, preventing equipment damage or fire.

Electromagnetic RCBO is a device for household and similar applications that integrates both earth leakage protection and overload protection. Detection Method: Operates on the electromagnetic induction principle, without requiring an external power supply. Offers strong noise immunity and is suitable for harsh environments. Operating Characteristics: Provides relatively fast tripping speeds. However, it features a more complex construction and requires higher manufacturing precision. Typically used for high-capacity equipment (e.g., in industrial settings).

Power Dependency: Electronic types require an auxiliary power supply and exhibit lower noise immunity; electromagnetic types operate without an external power source. Sensitivity: Electronic types offer higher sensitivity but are more susceptible to interference; electromagnetic types provide superior stability but incur higher manufacturing costs.

DC Circuit Breakers vs. AC Circuit Breakers The primary distinctions are concentrated in three aspects: arc extinction mechanisms, structural design, and application scenarios. The core difference stems from the inherent characteristic of DC having no natural current zero-crossing points, making arc quenching significantly more challenging. Arc Extinction Mechanism: AC Circuit Breakers: Utilize the periodic current zero-crossing characteristic of AC for natural arc extinction. The arc self-extinguishes at each current zero crossing. DC Circuit Breakers: Due to the absence of current zero crossings, rely on forced arc interruption techniques such as magnetic arc-blowing technology and multi-layer arc chutes to split the arc. Some models incorporate permanent magnets to enhance arc quenching performance. Electrical Characteristics: DC circuit breakers must handle sustained arc energy, resulting in a contact gap typically 20%-30% larger than that of AC circuit breakers.

Circuit breakers have a lifespan, categorized into mechanical life cycle and electrical life cycle, with special attention required to the number of times they interrupt fault currents. The basis for replacement includes reaching the specified lifespan indicators, frequent tripping or failure to reset, obvious physical damage, and failing performance tests. For circuit breakers in critical safety circuits, even if they appear normal, it is recommended to consider preventive replacement upon reaching the manufacturer's recommended service life.

Rated Current: Must be greater than or equal to the load current. Breaking Capacity: The maximum short-circuit current the circuit breaker can safely interrupt. Trip Curve (e.g., Type B/C/D): Type B: For lighting circuits. Type C: For general distribution. Type D: For motors and transformers.

Press the test button monthly to verify the protection function is operating correctly. Check the terminal connections for overheating (using an infrared thermometer). Internal inspection is required after multiple short-circuit trips.