Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Limitation of RCCB:
Standard electromechanical RCCBs are designed to operate on normal supply
waveforms and cannot be guaranteed to operate where none standard waveforms are
generated by loads. The most common is the half wave rectified waveform sometimes
called pulsating dc generated by speed control devices, semi conductors, computers
and even dimmers.
Specially modified RCCBs are available which will operate on normal ac and
pulsating dc.
RCDs dont offer protection against current overloads: RCDs detect an imbalance
in the live and neutral currents. A current overload, however large, cannot be
detected. It is a frequent cause of problems with novices to replace an MCB in a fuse
box with an RCD. This may be done in an attempt to increase shock protection. If a
live-neutral fault occurs (a short circuit, or an overload), the RCD wont trip, and may
be damaged. In practice, the main MCB for the premises will probably trip, or the
service fuse, so the situation is unlikely to lead to catastrophe; but it may be
inconvenient.
It is now possible to get an MCB and and RCD in a single unit, called an RCBO (see
below). Replacing an MCB with an RCBO of the same rating is generally safe.
Nuisance tripping of RCCB: Sudden changes in electrical load can cause a small,
brief current flow to earth, especially in old appliances. RCDs are very sensitive and
operate very quickly; they may well trip when the motor of an old freezer switches
off. Some equipment is notoriously `leaky, that is, generate a small, constant current
flow to earth. Some types of computer equipment, and large television sets, are widely
reported to cause problems.
RCD will not protect against a socket outlet being wired with its live and neutral
terminals the wrong way round.
RCD will not protect against the overheating that results when conductors are not
properly screwed into their terminals.
RCD will not protect against live-neutral shocks, because the current in the live
and neutral is balanced. So if you touch live and neutral conductors at the same time
(e.g., both terminals of a light fitting), you may still get a nasty shock.
It is possible to get a combined MCB and RCCB in one device (Residual Current
Breaker with Overload RCBO), the principals are the same, but more styles of
disconnection are fitted into one package
MCB Selection:
The first characteristic is the overload which is intended to prevent the accidental
overloading of the cable in a no fault situation. The speed of the MCB tripping will
vary with the degree of the overload. This is usually achieved by the use of a thermal
device in the MCB.
The second characteristic is the magnetic fault protection, which is intended to
operate when the fault reaches a predetermined level and to trip the MCB within one
tenth of a second. The level of this magnetic trip gives the MCB its type characteristic
as follows:
Type Tripping Current Operating Time
Type B 3 To 5 time full load current 0.04 To 13 Sec
Type C 5 To 10 times full load current 0.04 To 5 Sec
Type D 10 To 20 times full load current 0.04 To 3 Sec
The third characteristic is the short circuit protection, which is intended to protect
against heavy faults maybe in thousands of amps caused by short circuit faults.
The capability of the MCB to operate under these conditions gives its short circuit
rating in Kilo amps (KA). In general for consumer units a 6KA fault level is adequate
whereas for industrial boards 10KA fault capabilities or above may be required.
Supplier provides a separate earth connection, usually direct from the distribution
station and via the metal sheath of the supply cable.
Supplier provides no earth; you have an earth spike near your premises.