Residual Current Circuit Breakers

A residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) is a type of electrical safety device that is used to protect people and equipment from electric shock. It works by detecting and interrupting a leakage current, which is a current that flows through a person or an appliance and then back to the source of electricity.

RCCBs work on the principle of Kirchhoff’s current law, which states that the sum of all currents entering a point must equal the sum of all currents leaving that point. In a normal circuit, the current flowing through the live (hot) wire and the neutral wire is equal. However, if there is a leakage current, the current flowing through the neutral wire will be less than the current flowing through the live wire. The RCCB detects this difference in current and interrupts the circuit.

RCCBs are typically used in circuits that are not protected by fuses or circuit breakers. They are also used in circuits that are likely to experience leakage currents, such as circuits that contain water or appliances that have metal parts.

RCCBs are an important safety device that can help to prevent electric shock and other electrical hazards. They are required by law in many countries, and they are a good investment for any home or business.