Picking the right protection

In modern electrical installations, three types of device are commonly

used to provide final circuit protection: miniature circuit breakers
(MCBs) that provide over-current and short-circuit protection, residual
current circuit breakers (RCCBs) that provide earth leakage protection,
and residual current breakers with overcurrent (RCBOs) that combine
the functions of an MCB and an RCCB in a single device.

Since the introduction of the 17th Edition of the IET Wiring

Regulations, RCBOs are being used more widely, but when looking at
the characteristics of protection devices it’s easier to start by
considering MCBs and RCCBs separately.

MCBs are commonly available in versions with Type B, C or D tripping

characteristics, the main difference being the ability of the MCB to
handle current surges without tripping. Type B devices trip at fault
currents between 3 and 5 times the rated current (3 In to 5 In) and are
most suitable for domestic installations and for light commercial
applications where switching surges are small.

Type C devices trip between 5 In and 10 In and are often chosen for
domestic, commercial and industrial applications where electric
motors or significant numbers of fluorescent lights are in use. Type D
devices, which trip between 10 In and 20 In, are most often used in
industrial applications where equipment that produces high inrush
currents – such as an arc welding machine or x-ray machine – is in use.

When selecting MCBs, it’s essential to remember that their primary

function is to protect cables downstream of the device. Type B and
Type C devices can normally be selected to provide tripping times that
will give adequate cable protection, but this can be more difficult with
Type D devices, which may need a lower loop impedance (Zs) to
achieve the tripping time prescribed in the Wiring Regulations.

Now let’s look at RCCBs, which are also available in various different
types that are designated by letters, just like MCBs. This is a potential
source of confusion so it’s worth remembering that a Type B MCB, for
example, is not related to a Type B RCCB!

The types of RCCB most likely to be encountered are Type AC, Type A,
Type B, Type B+ and Type S. Type AC RCCBs are sensitive to ac
currents and are suitable for most domestic and commercial
applications. Type A RCCBs provide additional protection to Type AC in
that they are sensitive to ac currents and pulsating dc currents. Type B
RCCBs are sensitive to ac, pulsating ac and steady dc leakage
currents. This type should always be used in photovoltaic (PV) solar
energy installations where the inverter type could allow leakage of dc
current.
Type B+ devices are similar to Type B, but respond to ac leakage
currents over a wider frequency range, which is useful in some
specialized applications. It’s worth noting that Type B and Type B+
devices can be used wherever a Type AC or Type A device is specified,
as they provide the same functionality as these types and more.

But what of Type S RCCBs? These are selective devices intended for
use where circuits include more than one RCCB. For example, an
installation could include an upstream RCCB to provide protection for
several downstream circuits, some of which also have their own RCCB
or RCBO. If an earth fault occurs on one of the downstream circuits
with an RCCB or RCBO, this device should trip rather than the
upstream RCCB. Using a Type S RCCB for the upstream device will
provide the necessary selectivity.

Now let’s turn to RCBOs. In principle, as these are functionally an MCB

and an RCCB in the same device, it would be possible to produce
versions with a huge range of combinations of MCB and RCCB
characteristics. In practice, manufacturers limit themselves to the
most commonly used combinations, such as a Type B or C MCB
characteristic with a Type A or AC RCCB characteristic. Where other
combinations are needed, it often means that an RCBO can’t be used
and that the necessary protection must be provided by using a
separate MCB and RCCB. Some manufacturers, however, offer field-fit
table residual current units that can be used to convert an MCB into an
RCBO, and this makes possible a wider range of combinations.

Two interesting new product developments are worth mentioning at

this point. The first is that in addition to standard RCBOs, which are
bigger than an ordinary MCB, leading manufacturers are now offering
compact RCBOs that save space in consumer units or distribution
boards and are easier to wire. These compact devices are usually
available with the same combinations of characteristics as standard
RCBOs.
The second development is the recent introduction of RCCBs utilizing
digital electronic technology, which offer a very wide range of
characteristics and are particularly suitable for use in “difficult”
applications, such as the protection of circuits supplying large
numbers of fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts.

This article has looked only at operating characteristics for protection

devices and is intended to provide guidance on choosing the best type
of device for use in specific applications.

When choosing individual devices, however, there are many other

factors that must be taken into account including the current rating for
MCBs and RCBOs, the sensitivity for RCCBs and RCBOs, and the short
circuit capacity for all devices.

There’s no room to cover these factors here, but comprehensive

guidance can be found in the IET Wiring Regulations to which
reference should, of course, be made when designing any type of
electrical installation. Additionally, leading suppliers of protection
devices, such as Eaton, are always happy to provide expert advice and
guidance.