Should I Use Type A or Type B RCBO?

Choosing between a Type A and Type B RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection) is critical for electrical safety, whether you’re wiring a home, office, or industrial facility. The wrong choice could leave your system vulnerable to undetected faults or nuisance tripping. In this guide, we’ll demystify the differences, highlight ideal use cases, and explain why CNC’s RCBOs offer certified reliability at competitive prices.

What’s the Difference Between Type A and Type B RCBOs?

RCBOs protect against two risks: electrical overloads/short circuits (overcurrent) and earth leakage currents (residual current). The key distinction lies in the types of residual currents they detect:

When to Choose Type A RCBO

Type A RCBOs are ideal for standard residential and commercial environments:

Households: Protect circuits with appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, or LED lighting.

Small Offices: Safeguard computers, printers, and HVAC systems.

Retail Stores: Ideal for general-purpose outlets and lighting.

CNC Type A RCBO Features:

30mA Sensitivity: Meets safety standards for shock prevention.

6kA Breaking Capacity: Handles common residential fault currents.

Compact Design: Fits neatly in consumer units (CU) without crowding.

When to Choose Type B RCBO

Type B RCBOs are essential for systems producing smooth DC leakage currents, which Type A devices can’t detect:

Solar Power Systems: Inverters and battery storage often generate smooth DC faults.

EV Charging Stations: Electric vehicle chargers require advanced protection.

Industrial Machinery: Variable speed drives (VSDs), CNC machines, and medical equipment.

CNC Type B RCBO Features:

10kA Breaking Capacity: Withstands high fault currents in industrial grids.

Wide Temperature Range: Operates reliably in -25°C to 55°C environments.

Fire-Resistant Housing: Thermoplastic material ensures durability.

CNC vs. Competitors: Why It Matters

CNC balances affordability with industrial-grade quality, making their RCBOs a smart choice for both homes and factories:

1. Cost-Effective Safety

Type A Models: Priced 20–30% below premium brands like Schneider or Hager.

Type B Models: Competitive rates for industrial-grade protection.

2. Certified Reliability

Global Standards: Compliant with IEC, UL, and CE certifications.

Dual Protection: Integrates MCB (overcurrent) and RCD (earth leakage) functions in one unit.

3. Easy Installation

Plug-and-Play: Compatible with standard DIN rails and panels.

Clear Labeling: Phase, neutral, and load terminals are color-coded for error-free wiring.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1.Mismatched Applications: Using Type A for solar panels risks undetected DC faults.

2.Ignoring Load Calculations: A 32A RCBO won’t protect a 40A circuit.

3.Overlooking Compatibility: Ensure your panel supports the RCBO’s physical size and rating.

How to Choose: 3 Simple Questions

What’s the Environment?

• Home/office → Type A.
• Factory/solar setup → Type B.

What Devices Are Connected?

• Standard AC appliances → Type A.
• Inverters, VSDs, or EVs → Type B.

What’s the Budget?

• Cost-sensitive → CNC Type A.
• High-risk systems → CNC Type B.

Why Trust CNC RCBOs?

• Tested Durability: 10,000+ mechanical operations and 20-year lifespan.
• Technical Support: CNC’s team assists with load calculations and fault analysis.
• Warranty: 5-year coverage for peace of mind.

For most homes and offices, a Type A RCBO provides sufficient protection at a lower cost. However, Type B is non-negotiable for industrial machinery, solar systems, or EV chargers.

CNC’s RCBO range covers both types, ensuring compliance, safety, and value. Their products are trusted by electricians and engineers globally, proving you don’t need to overpay for premium protection.