Type B RCBO

What is a Type B RCBO?

A Type B RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection) is an advanced electrical protection device designed to better protect against a wider range of electrical faults.

Unlike standard Type A RCBOs, which primarily detect sinusoidal AC currents, Type B RCBOs can also detect pulsating DC currents, making them suitable for wider applications.

When Should You Use a Type B RCBO?

Type B RCBOs are recommended for installations where electrical equipment with electronic components or variable speed drives is present. 

They’re vital for environments with a higher risk of encountering pulsating DC currents, such as those generated by switch-mode power supplies or electronic motor drives. 

Their main uses can include:

• Industrial Machinery: Type B RCBOs are important for protecting sensitive electronic equipment commonly found in industrial machinery, such as CNC machines, robotic systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Data Centres: In data centre environments, where hundreds of electronic devices and power supplies could be in operation, Type B RCBOs provide protection against pulsating DC currents. This can safeguard critical data and help keep everything in operation. 
• Renewable Energy Systems: Type B RCBOs play a crucial role in renewable energy installations, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and wind turbines, where inverters and other electronic components generate pulsating DC currents that require detection and protection.
• Medical Equipment: Medical facilities rely on sensitive electronic equipment for diagnostics, treatment, and patient care. Type B RCBOs are indispensable here to protect the safety and reliability of medical devices and prevent hazards to patients and staff.

What’s the Difference Between a Type A and Type B RCBO?

The primary difference between Type A and Type B RCBOs is their sensitivity to different currents. 

While Type A RCBOs detect sinusoidal AC currents, Type B RCBOs offer additional sensitivity to pulsating DC currents, making them more versatile and suitable for a wider range of applications.

What’s the Difference Between a Type B and Type C RCBO?

While both Type B and Type C RCBOs offer enhanced sensitivity to a broader range of electrical faults compared to Type A RCBOs, they differ in their response characteristics. 

Type B RCBOs are specifically designed to detect pulsating DC currents, whereas Type C RCBOs are optimised for high-frequency AC currents, such as those generated by semiconductor devices.

Type B RCBOs provide better versatility and reliability in places with more electronic equipment or variable-speed drives.