An RCCB or residual-current circuit breaker is a safety device used for the protection of electrical circuits. RCCBs protect people from electric shocks, electrocution and help prevent electrical fires.
RS Components offer an extensive range of high-performance RCCBs from leading brands including ABB, Schneider Electric, and Siemens.
An RCCBs incoming current must equal the outgoing current in any circuit. RCCBs can compare the difference in current values between the live and neutral wires. When appliances are working correctly all current entering the appliance through the live wire leave the appliance via the neutral wire. If a fault occurs some current can flow through the earth wire, if no earth this can even flow through you. This results in the unequal current flow coming into the device to what is going out, this difference is referred to as residual current.
MCBs and RCCBs are circuit protection devices that have very important but also very different roles to play. MCBs protect against overload current and short circuit, RCCBs only protect from earth leakage and electric shock. Ideally, they should always be used together rather than individually to ensure all-around effective protection.
Residual current circuit breakers are usually mounted on DIN rail. They can be 2, 3, or 4 poles. Varying in current ratings, trip sensitivity, and tripping characteristics. All these specifications should be carefully considered depending on your individual needs and application.