With so many electrical technologies in the realm today, we can see a dire need for enhanced safety when we talk about modern electrical installations. With electrical systems becoming more sophisticated, we need reliable protection devices as well. Among many others, one such device is RCBO, a compact unit installed to provide dual protection in homes, offices, and industrial setups. Through this blog, we will see the various aspects of RCBO, as in, what is RCBO, its working principle, types of RCBO, etc.

What Is RCBO In The Electrical Industry?

RCBO stands for Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection. It is an electrical device curated to protect people as well as equipment from two major electrical hazards, namely earth leakage current and overcurrent. This RCBO combines the functions of RCD (Residual Current Device) and an MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker), put in a single unit.

Key Features

• Prevents electric shocks caused by earth faults
• Protects against overloads and short circuits
• Improves electrical safety in sensitive environments

So irrespective of whether you are wiring a small apartment or managing a large commercial facility, understanding what RCBO is in electrical capacity is crucial for implementing robust safety protocols.

RCBO Working Principle

There are two major key functions combined in a RCBO. Let’s break the two and understand.

• Residual Current Detection: This device constantly checks the current flowing in the live and neutral wire. So, in a healthy circuit flow, the amount of current entering through the live wire is equal to the current returning through the neutral wire. In case, there is a difference between the two, the RCBO detects the residual current and trips the circuit as a precautionary measure.
• Overcurrent Protection: Like a traditional MCB trip, this device also has a thermal and magnetic trip mechanism. The thermal component responds to the prolonged overloads, while the magnetic component here trips in case of short circuits.

This dual mechanism is a comprehensive protection technique, which makes RCBO an ideal device for safeguarding both appliances and human lives.

Types Of RCBO

When choosing the correct RCBO for your design, it is equally essential that you know the various types of motor protection relays available. The following are the primary categorizations of RCBO:

Type AC RCBO

• Recognizes the existence of residual sinusoidal alternating AC currents
• Fits type general purpose circuits
• Most common in use in homes.

Type A RCBO

• Recognizes the presence of residual currents alternating at let down range and pulsating a direct current
• Best suited for circuits that use electric gadgets as loads such as washing machines and induction cook tops.

Type B RCBO

• Recognizes the presence of residual alternating, pulsating direct and non-pulsating direct currents.
• Best for industrial appliances and chargers for electric vehicles.

Type S (Selective RCBO)

• Made with time Lag to align with upstream guard for selective recessive guarding circuits.
• Employed in multi-layered defending frameworks.

Understanding the different types of RCBO aids in choosing the right device for the intended use and the appropriate level of the device compatibility with the associated components.

Installation Tips

• Place each RCBO in its unique circuit to allow for selective fault isolation.
• Test the device regularly using its inbuilt test button.
• Mark the circuit and RCBO for effortless identification.
• Maintain the system by routinely replacing damaged or aged RCBOs.

Choosing The Right RCBO

Look out for the following tips when selecting an RCBO:

• Application Type: Residential, commercial, or industrial?
• Load Type: Is there inductive or electronic load?
• Space Limitations: RCBOs are compact but should be compatible with your distribution board
• Brand preference and budget: While budget matters, don’t compromise on quality

A certified electrician can help you determine the ideal relay for motor protection in your system.

How Does An RCBO Work In Practice?

You might wonder, how does an RCBO work in real-world settings? To solve this question let’s take the case of a household situation. A washing machine develops an internal fault causing electricity to leak to the metal casing. If a person touches the appliance, they risk receiving a dangerous electric shock. The RCBO immediately detects the imbalance and disconnects the power, often within 30 milliseconds, thus preventing injury.

Additionally, when too many devices are plugged into a single socket and the current drawn exceeds the rating of the cable, the RCBO also detects overcurrent and cuts out, thereby preventing damage from overheating, fire, or explosion.

Mistakes of this magnitude can incur exorbitant expenses and renewals. This is how RCBO deals with someone at the same time guarding against fire hazards.

Advantages of RCBOs

• Dual protection in a single compact unit
• Faster fault detection, minimizing damage
• Customizable based on load and risk profile
• Cost-effective over time due to fewer false trips and reduced downtime

They are increasingly preferred in modern electrical installations for their versatility and enhanced safety features.

Uses Of RCBO

Across the industries, the uses of RCBO are widespread, owing to their ability to offer dual protection.

Residential

• Safeguards individual circuits like geysers, washing machines as well as air conditioners.
• Impeccably reduces the impact of faults to localised areas.

Commercial

• Protects sensitive equipment in IT parks, shopping malls, and offices.
• Helps comply with local electrical codes and safety regulations.

Industrial

• Essential in plants with high power machinery and varying loads.
• Prevents the downtimes that occur because of electrical faults.

Institutional

• Widely used in spaces like schools, hospitals, and data centres where human safety and uptime is critical.

RCBO Price Overview

When looking for the budgeting in terms of an installation, it’s common to inquire about RCBO price. The cost of an RCBO depends on factors such as:

• Current rating (e.g., 6A, 16A, 32A)
• Breaking capacity (e.g., 6kA)
• Type (AC, A, B)
• Brand (e.g., RCBO Schneider, Legrand, Siemens)

Estimated Price Range (as of 2025):

• Basic AC-type RCBO: ₹900 – ₹1,500
• Type A RCBO: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500
• RCBO Schneider models: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 (depending on features)

Investing in a high-quality RCBO, like those from RCBO Schneider, ensures better performance, durability, and safety.

Also Read: RCCB Working Principles & Benefits

Conclusion

Understanding what is RCBO in electrical is essential for anyone involved in the design, installation, or maintenance of safe electrical systems. With the ability to prevent both electric shocks and fire hazards, RCBOs are indispensable in modern circuits. Whether you are safeguarding a home, an office, or a factory, selecting the right relay for motor protection or general use can make a world of difference in safety and reliability.

With so many electrical technologies in the realm today, we can see a dire need for enhanced safety when we talk about modern electrical installations. With electrical systems becoming more sophisticated, we need reliable protection devices as well. Among many others, one such device is RCBO, a compact unit installed to provide dual protection in homes, offices, and industrial setups. Through this blog, we will see the various aspects of RCBO, as in, what is RCBO, its working principle, types of RCBO, etc.

What Is RCBO In The Electrical Industry?

RCBO stands for Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection. It is an electrical device curated to protect people as well as equipment from two major electrical hazards, namely earth leakage current and overcurrent. This RCBO combines the functions of RCD (Residual Current Device) and an MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker), put in a single unit.

Key Features

• Prevents electric shocks caused by earth faults
• Protects against overloads and short circuits
• Improves electrical safety in sensitive environments

So irrespective of whether you are wiring a small apartment or managing a large commercial facility, understanding what RCBO is in electrical capacity is crucial for implementing robust safety protocols.

RCBO Working Principle

There are two major key functions combined in a RCBO. Let’s break the two and understand.

• Residual Current Detection: This device constantly checks the current flowing in the live and neutral wire. So, in a healthy circuit flow, the amount of current entering through the live wire is equal to the current returning through the neutral wire. In case, there is a difference between the two, the RCBO detects the residual current and trips the circuit as a precautionary measure.
• Overcurrent Protection: Like a traditional MCB trip, this device also has a thermal and magnetic trip mechanism. The thermal component responds to the prolonged overloads, while the magnetic component here trips in case of short circuits.

This dual mechanism is a comprehensive protection technique, which makes RCBO an ideal device for safeguarding both appliances and human lives.

Types Of RCBO

When choosing the correct RCBO for your design, it is equally essential that you know the various types of motor protection relays available. The following are the primary categorizations of RCBO:

Type AC RCBO

• Recognizes the existence of residual sinusoidal alternating AC currents
• Fits type general purpose circuits
• Most common in use in homes.

Type A RCBO

• Recognizes the presence of residual currents alternating at let down range and pulsating a direct current
• Best suited for circuits that use electric gadgets as loads such as washing machines and induction cook tops.

Type B RCBO

• Recognizes the presence of residual alternating, pulsating direct and non-pulsating direct currents.
• Best for industrial appliances and chargers for electric vehicles.

Type S (Selective RCBO)

• Made with time Lag to align with upstream guard for selective recessive guarding circuits.
• Employed in multi-layered defending frameworks.

Understanding the different types of RCBO aids in choosing the right device for the intended use and the appropriate level of the device compatibility with the associated components.

Installation Tips

• Place each RCBO in its unique circuit to allow for selective fault isolation.
• Test the device regularly using its inbuilt test button.
• Mark the circuit and RCBO for effortless identification.
• Maintain the system by routinely replacing damaged or aged RCBOs.

Choosing The Right RCBO

Look out for the following tips when selecting an RCBO:

• Application Type: Residential, commercial, or industrial?
• Load Type: Is there inductive or electronic load?
• Space Limitations: RCBOs are compact but should be compatible with your distribution board
• Brand preference and budget: While budget matters, don’t compromise on quality

A certified electrician can help you determine the ideal relay for motor protection in your system.

How Does An RCBO Work In Practice?

You might wonder, how does an RCBO work in real-world settings? To solve this question let’s take the case of a household situation. A washing machine develops an internal fault causing electricity to leak to the metal casing. If a person touches the appliance, they risk receiving a dangerous electric shock. The RCBO immediately detects the imbalance and disconnects the power, often within 30 milliseconds, thus preventing injury.

Additionally, when too many devices are plugged into a single socket and the current drawn exceeds the rating of the cable, the RCBO also detects overcurrent and cuts out, thereby preventing damage from overheating, fire, or explosion.

Mistakes of this magnitude can incur exorbitant expenses and renewals. This is how RCBO deals with someone at the same time guarding against fire hazards.

Advantages of RCBOs

• Dual protection in a single compact unit
• Faster fault detection, minimizing damage
• Customizable based on load and risk profile
• Cost-effective over time due to fewer false trips and reduced downtime

They are increasingly preferred in modern electrical installations for their versatility and enhanced safety features.

Uses Of RCBO

Across the industries, the uses of RCBO are widespread, owing to their ability to offer dual protection.

Residential

• Safeguards individual circuits like geysers, washing machines as well as air conditioners.
• Impeccably reduces the impact of faults to localised areas.

Commercial

• Protects sensitive equipment in IT parks, shopping malls, and offices.
• Helps comply with local electrical codes and safety regulations.

Industrial

• Essential in plants with high power machinery and varying loads.
• Prevents the downtimes that occur because of electrical faults.

Institutional

• Widely used in spaces like schools, hospitals, and data centres where human safety and uptime is critical.

RCBO Price Overview

When looking for the budgeting in terms of an installation, it’s common to inquire about RCBO price. The cost of an RCBO depends on factors such as:

• Current rating (e.g., 6A, 16A, 32A)
• Breaking capacity (e.g., 6kA)
• Type (AC, A, B)
• Brand (e.g., RCBO Schneider, Legrand, Siemens)

Estimated Price Range (as of 2025):

• Basic AC-type RCBO: ₹900 – ₹1,500
• Type A RCBO: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500
• RCBO Schneider models: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 (depending on features)

Investing in a high-quality RCBO, like those from RCBO Schneider, ensures better performance, durability, and safety.

Also Read: RCCB Working Principles & Benefits

Conclusion

Understanding what is RCBO in electrical is essential for anyone involved in the design, installation, or maintenance of safe electrical systems. With the ability to prevent both electric shocks and fire hazards, RCBOs are indispensable in modern circuits. Whether you are safeguarding a home, an office, or a factory, selecting the right relay for motor protection or general use can make a world of difference in safety and reliability.