Many people do not know what is an RCBO. And because of this, we, in Meiji Electric, can help you understand the basic functions of an RCBO, so you can handle safety electrical measures at home without paying for the services of an electrician.
RCBO, also known as Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Over-Current Protection, is an extraordinary circuit breaker with three main functions:
- To detect residual current due to ground fault
- To detect overload or over-current on a circuit; and
- To protect against short circuit
Safety purposes against ground faults
Electrical experts will install an RCBO for safety purposes against ground faults which can kill people, especially to those homes and establishments which are most likely to operate in wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools of resorts, water parks, etc. Another purpose is to prevent an overload on a specific circuit, thus, preventing accidents like fire, etc.
Detect a current imbalance
An RCBO will detect a current imbalance and an overload using the same interrupting method. They call it a ‘trip’. It works almost the same as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), cutting off the current when ground fault happens or when there is any current imbalance, thereby, protecting our lives. If current flow is not equal, it means that there is a current leakage to the ground, which could possibly mean someone is touching or has accidentally touched the live conductor of an appliance as they are attempting to use it, in this case, the RCBO will break the circuit or trip.
Ratedd both by the normal current that are expected to carry, and the maximum residual current that they can safely interrupt
RCBOs are rated both by the normal current that are expected to carry, and the maximum residual current that they can safely interrupt also known as the sensitivity rating. It is also designed to interrupt a current overload in a circuit. This may happen when more appliances are being used beyond the rated current. A short circuit is an abnormal low resistance connection between two wires of electrical power to any circuit. A good example is when the cables of your electrical appliances are worn out and the live wires are connected improperly. This too can be detected by the RCBO.
Meiji Electric offers you RCBOs of high quality performance
Meiji Electric offers you RCBOs of high quality performance that would surely protect your life from deadly electrical harms. Meiji RCBOs have rated currents of 3, 6, 10, 16, 20, 25 and 32 Amperes. They also have a short circuit interrupting capacity of 3000 Amperes. Meiji RCBOs have sensitivity ratings of 30 mA, 100 mA and 300 mA with very safe levels of interruption. When this level of sensitivity is detected by the RCBO, it will automatically trip and will break the circuit to prevent further damages. Meiji RCBO has a built-in test button, and should be tested monthly to make sure it is functioning properly.
All houses and offices have the possibility of experiencing current imbalance
We cannot escape the fact that we might get killed with these electrical problems. Having this information, we realize the importance of using an RCBO, and should consider it to be a “must have”.
For some simple electric precautions, you don’t have to spend money for an expert’s service. We, in Meiji Electric, shall continue to enhance energy, to help you understand electrical safety measures, and provide an easy and convenient way for your overall safety.
