RCCB Full Form | RCCB Working Principle | RCCB vs RCBO | Electrical Guide
RCCB Full Form | RCCB Working Principle | RCCB vs RCBO
RCCB Full Form: Residual Current Circuit Breaker.
In electrical engineering, an RCCB is a vital protective device that prevents electric shocks and electrical fires by detecting leakage current. Unlike a simple MCB, which protects against overload and short circuits, an RCCB is designed to protect human life from earth leakage current.
What is RCCB?
An RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) is a safety device that immediately switches off the electrical circuit when it detects current leakage to earth. This ensures protection from electrocution and electrical hazards.
RCCB Working Principle
RCCB works on the principle of Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL). In a healthy circuit, the current entering through phase equals the current returning through neutral. If there is any leakage, the balance is disturbed, and RCCB trips instantly.
Step-by-Step Working:
- Current passes through both live (phase) and neutral conductors.
- RCCB continuously compares both currents.
- If difference (leakage) is detected → device trips within 30 ms.
Types of RCCB
- 2 Pole RCCB – for single-phase connections
- 4 Pole RCCB – for three-phase connections
- Type AC RCCB – detects alternating current leakage
- Type A RCCB – detects pulsating DC + AC leakage
Advantages of RCCB
- Protects humans from electric shocks
- Prevents fire due to earth leakage current
- Improves overall electrical safety
- Mandatory in residential and commercial wiring
Disadvantages of RCCB
- Does not protect against overload or short-circuit (MCB needed)
- False tripping may occur due to nuisance leakage
- Higher cost compared to MCB
Difference Between RCCB, RCBO, MCB & ELCB
| Device | Protects From | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| RCCB | Leakage Current / Electric Shock | Life Protection |
| RCBO | Leakage + Overload + Short Circuit | Combined Protection |
| MCB | Overload & Short Circuit | Appliance/Equipment Protection |
| ELCB | Earth Leakage (Old Technology) | Obsolete, replaced by RCCB |
Applications of RCCB
- Residential homes for human safety
- Hospitals and laboratories
- Industrial plants
- Data centers and IT infrastructure
FAQ on RCCB
Q1: What is RCCB full form?
Answer: RCCB stands for Residual Current Circuit Breaker.
Q2: What is the main function of RCCB?
It protects humans from electric shock by detecting current leakage to earth.
Q3: What is the difference between RCCB and RCBO?
RCCB only detects leakage, while RCBO provides leakage + overload + short circuit protection.
Q4: Is RCCB mandatory in wiring?
Yes, modern electrical codes recommend RCCB installation for safety.
Related Articles
What is MCB? | RCCB vs RCBO | What is ELCB?
Post a Comment