Difference between RCCB and RCBO

Difference between RCCB and RCBO

RCCB stands for Residual Current Circuit Breaker, and RCBO stands for Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection. Both are devices that protect electrical circuits from faults, such as short circuits, overloads, or earth leakage currents. However, they have some differences in their functions and applications.

RCCB is a device that detects any imbalance in the current flow between the live and neutral wires of a circuit. If the current flowing through the live wire is not equal to the current returning through the neutral wire, it means that some current is leaking to the earth, which could cause electric shock or fire. 

RCCB will trip and disconnect the circuit in such a case, preventing further damage or injury. RCCB does not protect the circuit from overcurrents, which are currents that exceed the rated capacity of the circuit. Overcurrents can damage the equipment or cause overheating of the wires. RCCB only protects the circuit from earth leakage currents, which are usually much lower than overcurrents.

RCBO is a device that combines the functions of RCCB and MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker). MCB is a device that protects the circuit from overcurrents by tripping and disconnecting the circuit when the current exceeds a certain limit. RCBO can detect both earth leakage currents and overcurrents, and trip accordingly. RCBO provides more comprehensive protection for the circuit than RCCB, as it can handle both types of faults.

The main difference between RCCB and RCBO is that RCCB only protects the circuit from earth leakage currents, while RCBO protects the circuit from both earth leakage currents and overcurrents. RCCB is cheaper and simpler than RCBO, but RCBO offers more safety and reliability for the circuit. The choice of RCCB or RCBO depends on the type and level of protection required for the circuit, as well as the cost and complexity of installation.