RCBO

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Type A RCBO for a fault current of 30 mA and line protection with tripping characteristic C for 16 A with a breaking capacity of 6 kA. At the top right the "test button" known from FI switches.

An RCBO , also called FI / LS switch , is the European harmonization term for a combined residual current circuit breaker (FI or RCD) with a line circuit breaker (LS). The acronym stands for English R esidual current operated C ircuit- B reaker with O vercurrent protection . RCBOs are used in sub-distributions , for example in the "fuse box" of an apartment.

The advantage in addition to a more compact design compared to separate residual current and line circuit breakers is that each circuit protected by RCBO has its own residual current circuit breaker. Usually, for reasons of both cost and space, only one residual current circuit breaker is used for several circuits. If a fault current occurs, all protected circuits are switched off as a result. By using RCBOs, only the affected circuit is switched off.

The disadvantage of RCBOs is the higher price compared to simple miniature circuit breakers.

In the meantime, there are also RCBOs from several manufacturers with only one module.

Legal reference in Germany

With the appearance of DIN VDE 0100-410 (2018-10), all socket circuits that can be operated by laypersons with a rated current of up to and including 32 A and final circuits outdoors for portable equipment up to and including 32 A, as well as circuits (in apartments) must contain lights with a fault current Circuit breaker (tripping current max. 30 mA). According to the requirements of DIN 18015-2 (requirements for the electrical equipment of homes), the entire network must not be disconnected in the event of a fault. As a result of these requirements, the use of these combination devices is becoming more and more popular, as their space-saving design means that only two modules are required on the top-hat rail (with two-pole models). The new DIN VDE 0100-410 (2018-10) contains the recommendation to use "a mains voltage-independent residual current device (RCD) with built-in overcurrent protection (FI / LS switch) in every circuit" (for final circuits and the supply of portable equipment for the outside area).

literature

  • Dieter Vogt, Herbert Schmolke: Electrical installation in residential buildings . 6th edition, VDE Verlag GmbH, Berlin and Offenbach 2005, ISBN 3-8007-2820-6 .

Web links

Commons : Residual current circuit breaker with overload protection  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files