
A residual current circuit breaker (RCCB, also known as RCCB or RCBO) is a low voltage protective device that combines overload, short circuit and leakage current protection functions. Its operating principle is based on continuous monitoring of the vector sum of currents in phase and neutral...
A residual current circuit breaker (RCCB, also known as RCCB or RCBO) is a low voltage protective device that combines overload, short circuit and leakage current protection functions. Its operating principle is based on continuous monitoring of the vector sum of currents in the phase and neutral conductors using a built-in zero-sequence current transformer. In normal mode this vector sum is zero; when a leak occurs or a person is struck by an electric shock, part of the current goes through the person’s body or into the ground, as a result of which the vector sum ceases to be equal to zero (a “differential current” appears), and the switch almost instantly (usually within 0.1 s) activates the tripping mechanism, turning off the circuit. This effectively prevents fatal electrical shocks and the risk of electrical fires. RCCBs are a key device for protecting people and equipment in modern electrical systems for residential, commercial and industrial buildings.