Safety and reliability with Schneider RCBOs

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Before we delve into the RCBO electrical circuit breakers’ features, it is first essential to know what RCBO stands for and what it signifies. The full form of RCBO is Residual current operated Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent protection.

Shocks can also be caused by residual current trapped in enclosures of a distribution board. The RCBO helps break the residual current circuit and protects against overloading that can damage the electrical appliances at your house or workplace. 

It is mandatory is to secure your house or business against short circuits, earth faults, or overload currents as the damage can often be extensive. The other reason is to prevent shocks while handling the circuit board or even electrical appliances. To do this, you should not compromise with the kind of electrical circuit breakers you use. One such device you should consider is the RCBO by Schneider. 

Characteristics of Schneider RCBOs

  1. RCBOs fall under the Acti 9 iC60H range.
  2. Each RCBO combines a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) and a Residual Circuit Breaker (RCB).
  3. It is easy to install and safe.
  4. It is regarded to have the highest energy efficiency system for power distribution.
  5. The Acti 9 range is a direct replacement for the earlier Merlin Gerin Multi 9 C60H range.
  6. It is suitable for both older and new style distribution boards.

Product description

  1. There are three types of Schneider RCBOs: type A, B and C. 
  2. Except for type A, most Schneider RCBOs are single pole. 
  3. Most RCBO has an Amperage rating of 6 Amp.
  4. The voltage rating or the upper limits for operation is 240 V.
  5. The breaking capacity is 10kA.
  6. The tripping capacity is 30mA.
  7. All Schneider RCBOs are BS EN 61009-1 approved.
  8. Except for the Type A Schneider RCBO with two or more poles, most RCBOs are 110mm x 18mm x 77.5mm (Height x Width x Depth).

Facts and queries

Now that we have understood Schneider RCBO, let us answer some of the common queries people have about RCBOs with similar devices. 

How is RCCBs different from RCBOs?

RCCBs that stands for Residual Current Circuit Breakers protect against earth faults, residual currents, and electric shocks. RCBOs, on the other hand, can provide the same protection as RCCBs but with the additional protection of short circuit and overload. 

Should I use RCBO or MCB?

The answer here lies in their name. A Residual Current Device is meant to safeguard against earth leakage, a Miniature Circuit Breaker ( MBC) protects solely against over-current. RCBO combines both elements and protects against both overcurrent and earth leakage.

Which is better: RCBO or RCD?

Both RCDs and RCBOs give additional protection as required by BS7671. While a 30mA RCD provides extra protection to several circuits, An RCBO gives additional protection, short circuit protection, and overload protection to one circuit.

Can you use RCBO as the main switch?

Yes, RCBO can be used as a replacement for Schneider MCB or RCB. RCBO is a circuit breaker in addition to the residual current device.