Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCB) Working Principle
Residual Current Circuit Breakers or RCCB are a very vital component for providing protection to electrical circuits. Thus RCCB electrical devices are used for sensing a leakage in the current.
It can measure the current and disconnect it from the circuit whenever there is a fault or the current goes over the sensitivity rate so that there is no electric short circuit. In Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker you can make out if they are ON or OFF. The color green means it’s off and the color red means it’s on.
What Is RCB, RCD, RCCB or RCBO?
Let us get familiar with all four terms:
RCB
RCB or Residual Current Breaker are electrical devices that cut the current from the electrical current so as to prevent electrocution. The current leakage that it can detect is from 5 milliamperes to 30 milliamperes.
Essentially, RCB is utilized in circuits to secure human life from electric shock or electrocution. In the event that an individual is by one means or another zapped the RCB senses it and will disconnect the circuit. If some way or another an electrical equipment such as a motor or the panel gets electrified, here again, RCB disconnects the circuit.
RCD
A residual current device or RCD is a device crafted to save lives. It is designed to avoid a person from getting a deadly electric shock in the event that they touch something live, like a bare wire. It can also give some protection if an electrical fire occurs.
RCDs provide a certain amount of personal protection that circuit-breakers or ordinary fuses cannot offer. This safety device switches off automatically if a fault occurs. Thus it is basically crafted to provide protection against risks of electrocution and also against fire because of earth faults.
RCCB
Residual Current Circuit Breaker or RCCB is basically a gadget that senses current and disengages any low voltage (uneven current) circuit whenever a fault occurs. The main purpose of installing a Residual Current Circuit Breaker fundamentally is to protect people from electric shocks or death caused by them.
It avoids accidents by disengaging the main circuit just in a fraction of a second. The working of RCCB electrical devices is based on the principle – Kirchhoff’s Current Law, which means that the incoming and the outgoing current in the circuit should be equal.
RCBO
Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Over Current Protection or RCBOs are generally utilized in applications that need protection against both overcurrents that are short circuit and overload, and protection from earth leakage of current. RCBOs offer assistance in detecting such kinds of faults.
Once it finds them it trips the circuit guaranteeing the total protection of the individuals and associated equipment. It is suggested that an RCBO be connected to every separate circuit which means that if a fault occurs in a circuit it will not have any impact on the working of the other circuits.
What are the main features of RCCB?
As stated above the rccb breaker are crafted for protecting a person from the risk of being electrocuted, getting an electrical shock and from a fire which is caused because of earth faults or faulty wiring. The residual current device is very helpful especially in situations when a sudden and unexpected earth fault takes place in the circuit.
Say if a person by mistake comes in contact with a live wire if in this situation an RCCB is missing, there are chances of occurrence of an earth fault and the person can get electrocuted. Thus it is best to install an RCCB.
How does the residual current circuit breaker work?
In an ideal current the current flowing through the live wire ought to be equal to the current returning through the neutral wire. This is the principle on which the Residual Current Circuit Breaker works.
In case an earth fault occurs, the current is able to find a way to the Earth via accidental means like touching a live wire. Due to this, the returning current via the neutral wire is reduced. The difference between the two currents is called Residual Current.
RCCB is outlined in such a manner that it ceaselessly senses and compares any contrasts (residual current value) in the current between the neutral and live wires. Even a small change between the values would trigger the Residual Current Circuit Breaker and it will disconnect the circuit.
Types of RCCBs
There are two types of RCCBs, a 2 Pole RCCB and a 4 Pole RCCB:
2 Pole RCCB
It is utilized in a single-phase supply which only contains a neutral wire and a live wire. It has two ends and at those ends, the neutral wire and live wire are connected. With the help of a rotary switch, you can switch the RCCB on and off. It also has a test button that assists in periodically testing the functionality of the RCCB.
4 Pole RCCB
4 Pole RCCB is utilized in a 3-phase supply connection that includes a neutral wire and 3 phase wires. Again this has two ends where both the neutral wire and 3 phase wires are connected. This is the only difference between the 2 and 4 pole RCCB, the rest of the work is similar.
FAQ
What is the working principle of RCCB?
Working Principle: RCCBs operate based on Kirchhoff’s current law, detecting imbalances in the live and neutral wires and tripping the circuit to prevent hazards. Types of RCCBs: RCCBs are classified into types AC, A, B, and F, each suited for different kinds of leakage currents and applications
What is the function of residual current circuit breaker RCCB?
The Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) or commonly known as the circuit breaker is an electrical safety device that cuts off the electricity supply immediately upon detecting leakages that may result in an electric shock
What are the working principles of RCD?
The RCD working principle is based on this one fact: the same current flowing in the live wire will always return through the neutral wire, as long as there is no leakage to earth. If there is a leakage (for example, if you touch a live wire), the current will take an alternative route to earth through your body
How do RCCB’s work?
A Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) is an important safety measure when it comes to protection of electrical circuits. It is a current sensing device, which can automatically measure and disconnect the circuit whenever a fault occurs in the connected circuit or the current exceeds the rated sensitivity
How does 3 phase RCCB work?
Its function involves monitoring the balance between the live and neutral currents in a circuit. If a leakage current is detected, indicating a fault or unintended path, the RCCB quickly disconnects the circuit, preventing electric shocks and minimizing the risk of fire
How to check if RCCB is working?
Test the ELCB or RCCB by pressing the ‘Test’ button. The ELCB or RCCB switch will flip down and cut off all power supply in your home. If the ELCB or RCCB switch does not flip down, it is faulty. Homeowners should contact a Licensed Electrical Worker for assistance immediately
Can RCCB work without earthing?
However, the RCCB can also work without an earthing, though it is always advised to provide one. What is the difference between a Residual current device and a circuit breaker? The time it takes to break the circuit is the primary distinction between the circuit breaker and the residual current device
