Electrical safety is a critical requirement for every location with access to power and associated appliances. RCCBs are the equipment designed to impart protection from leakage currents. Capable of safeguarding from electric shocks and fire hazards, they operate in compliance with electrical regulations. The uses of RCCB range broadly, making them versatile devices. Get into the insights of the product with working mechanism, use of RCCB, its types and other details.
What is RCCB?
A Residual Current Circuit Breaker, or RCCB, is an electrical safety device that offers protection in the scenario of current leakage. Capable of detecting and subsequently disconnecting the power supply, RCCB is used to prevent electrocution and fires due to faulty circuits.
These devices are commonly used across both household and industrial locations to offer instant detection and protection. The working mechanism of RCCB is based on Kirchhoff’s law, which states that the input current in a live wire is always equal to the output current in a neutral wire. RCCB detects current leakage, which is marked by current flowing through paths different from usual paths. This detection instantly trips the circuits, imparting protection.
Difference Between RCCB and Circuit Breaker
RCCB differs from circuit breakers in terms of multiple parameters. Here is an insight for clarity:
| Factor | RCCB | Circuit Breaker |
| Protection | From electrical shock and earth leakage | From short circuits and overcurrent |
| Installation | Need complex wiring due to built-in earth leakage protection system | Involves simple installation with the requirement for connecting the power switch with the main circuit |
| Sensitivity | High | Low |
| Rating | Trip sensitivity ranges from 10 mA to 300mA | Generally imparts protection from 6A to 125 A |
Uses of RCCB
The purpose of RCCB is to offer protection from electrical hazards. The insights into the same are as follows:
Electrical Safety
RCCB offers electrical protection through the real-time detection of leaking currents. They instantly disconnect the power source preventing possible damages and injuries.
Fire Prevention
Excess flow of current leads to overheating, increasing the risk of fire accidents. Breaking the circuit breaks the connection thus preventing such accidents.
Equipment Protection
Excess current flow can damage the sensitive components of electrical devices. The circuit break prevents entry of faulty currents into the equipment imparting protection to the same.
Compliance with Standards
The RCCBs offer protection in compliance with electrical standards. It ensures meeting regulatory requirements.
Versatility
RCCBs are suitable for use in residential, industrial, and commercial locations, making them versatile.
Early Detection
The early detection prevents potential problems with the equipment and possible electrical hazards.
Types of RCCB
Based on pole, the distinct types of RCCB include:
Single Pole RCCB
It is used in single-phase circuits and imparts protection to live wire.
Double Pole RCCB
The double pole RCCB is also designed for single-phase circuits. However, it differs by its capability to disconnect both live and neutral wires when detecting the fault.
Four Pole RCCB
The four-pole RCCB finds application in three-phase systems. It monitors all three live wires and neutral wires, imparting protection against leakage circuits.
Apart from these, there are different types of RCCB depending on the sensitivity and application, such as type AC, A, B, F and H.
Type AC RCCB
These RCCBs are designed to detect remaining sinusoidal alternating currents. These are well-suited for regular applications.
Type A RCCB
They are capable of detecting both sinusoidal and pulsating DC residual currents. They operate with single-phase class 1 electric loads with diode/thyristor rectifiers.
Type B RCCB
These types of RCCB detect all types of residual currents. It includes sinusoidal AC, pulsating DC, smooth DC and composite multi-frequency from three-phase rectifiers. They are ideal for sensitive industrial applications.
Type F RCCB
As marked by the initial F, the type F RCCBs detect multi-frequency residual currents. These can trip on 10 milliampere DC faults. The type F RCCBs are applicable for environments in need of selective sensitivity.
Type H RCCB
These are high-sensitivity RCCBs that are well-suited for high protection in sensitive environments.
Conclusion
RCCBs are electrical devices crucial to prevent damages possible due to leakage currents. Capable of breaking the circuit, it prevents fire hazards and safeguards the equipment from damage. These are also versatile and have applications ranging from residential to commercial and industrial locations. The different types of RCCBs are suited for varying applications.
Knowing the specificities based on applications and poles, are you heading to look for the appropriate RCCB for your specific application? Visit L&T-SuFin to find the right product at affordable prices. Choose among the top brands to get the reliable one for your needs.
FAQs
Why is RCCB needed?
The RCCB breaker uses include protection from fire hazards and electric shock.
Where do I put RCCB?
RCCB is generally installed in a distribution board (DB) box at residences or circuit breaker boxes.
Can RCCB work without earthing?
Though RCCB can work without earthing, the act isn’t recommended. This is because earthing offers an additional layer of safety by discharging fault currents into the ground.
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