⎯⎯ Combined Circuit Protection
RCBO
An RCBO combines residual-current protection with overload and short-circuit protection in one modular device. It is used where a circuit needs both leakage protection and overcurrent protection without relying on a separate RCCB and MCB combination. The VIOX RCBO range covers compact low-voltage protection across residential, commercial, and industrial systems.
⎯⎯ At a Glance
Core Product Highlights
Main Function
Leakage-current, overload, and short-circuit protection in one modular unit.
Core Formats
2P and 4P RCBO configurations across the VIOX product range.
Current Coverage
Main RCBO series cover 6A to 63A depending on model family.
Application Scope
Final circuits, distribution boards, industrial panels, and modular protection assemblies.
Certified By
⎯⎯ Overview
What Is an RCBO?
A Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO) combines residual-current protection with overload and short-circuit protection in one product. In practical terms, it gives one circuit a combined protection function that would otherwise require more than one device.
RCBOs are widely used in final circuits, distribution boards, and modular assemblies because they reduce the need for separate residual-current and overcurrent devices within the same branch-protection arrangement.
NOTE
RCBOs are commonly used where individual circuit protection, compact layout, selective fault isolation, and modular panel integration are priorities.
⎯⎯ Manufacturer Product Range
RCBO Series Coverage
Type B
- Trip curve: B, C, D
- Model: Electromagnetic
- Sensitivity: 30mA, 100mA, 300mA
- Breaking capacity (Icn): 10kA
- Standards: IEC 62423
Type A
- Trip curve: B, C, D
- Model: Electromagnetic
- Sensitivity: 30mA, 100mA, 300mA
- Breaking capacity (Icn): 6kA
- Standards: IEC/EN 61009-1
Type A
- Trip curve: B, C
- Model: Electromagnetic
- Sensitivity: 30mA, 100mA, 300mA
- Breaking capacity (Icn): 6kA
- Standards: IEC/EN 61009-1
Type A/AC
- Trip curve: B,C,D
- Model: Electronic
- Sensitivity: 30mA, 100mA, 300mA
- Breaking capacity (Icn): 10kA
- Standards: IEC/EN 61009-1
Type A/AC
- Trip curve: C,D
- Model: Electronic
- Rated current: 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A
- Breaking capacity (Icn): 2.5kA
- Standards: IEC/EN 60898
Type A/AC
- Trip curve: B,C,D
- Model: Electronic
- Sensitivity: 30mA
- Breaking capacity (Icn): 10kA
- Standards: IEC/EN 60898
⎯⎯Protection Architecture
RCBO vs RCCB Plus MCB
| Protection Arrangement | Main Function | Main Advantage | Main Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCBO | Residual-current protection plus overload and short-circuit protection in one device | Compact circuit-level protection and clearer fault isolation at branch level | Each protected circuit needs its own RCBO unit |
| RCCB + MCB | Residual-current protection and overcurrent protection split across separate devices | Flexible arrangement for grouped circuit protection | More panel space and broader trip impact when several circuits share one RCCB |
⎯⎯ Type Comparison
RCBO Type Selection: AC, A, F, and B
| RCBO Type | Typical Residual-Current Behavior | Typical Applications | Selection Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type AC | Alternating residual current | Basic AC-only circuit environments | Used in simpler applications where only sinusoidal AC residual current is expected |
| Type A | Alternating and pulsating DC residual current | Modern appliances, electronic loads, and general commercial circuits | Common choice where electronic equipment may generate pulsating DC components |
| Type F | More complex residual-current behavior with higher-frequency content | Selected inverter-driven appliances and variable-speed equipment | Used where standard Type A coverage may not be sufficient for the load profile |
| Type B | Broader residual-current detection including smooth DC conditions | EV charging, power converters, PV, and advanced industrial systems | Used where the installation involves more demanding DC-related or converter-driven conditions |
⎯⎯ Specifications
Key RCBO Specifications
| Specification Item | Typical Product Range | Engineering Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pole Configuration | 2P and 4P | Defines the installation format and system arrangement |
| Rated Current | 6A to 63A across key products | Aligns the device with branch-circuit protection requirements |
| Breaking Capacity | 6kA and 10kA options | Important for fault-level suitability |
| Residual-Current Sensitivity | 30mA, 100mA, 300mA depending on model | 30mA is commonly used for personal shock protection, while higher values such as 100mA or 300mA are more often associated with equipment or fire-risk oriented protection strategies depending on the application |
| Trip Curves | B, C, D across selected series | B curve is used in lower-inrush circuits, C curve in general-purpose circuits, and D curve where higher inrush current is expected |
| Product Type | Electronic RCBO lines in the range | Important for line structure, response behavior, and model differentiation |
⎯⎯ Applications
Where VIOX RCBOs Are Used
Residential
Final Circuit Protection
Commercial
Distribution Boards
Suitable for modular branch protection in offices, retail systems, and compact commercial panels.
Industrial
Control and Power Panels
Used in industrial and commercial systems where combined protection simplifies panel architecture.
Modular Systems
DIN Rail Installations
RCBO products are well suited to DIN rail assemblies where space and wiring organization matter.
Branch Isolation
Individual Circuit Protection
RCBOs support per-circuit protection layouts where leakage and overcurrent protection are combined in one module.
Electronic Loads
Modern Circuit Environments
RCBO type selection becomes more important in circuits with electronics, inverter-driven equipment, and converter-based systems.
⎯⎯ Selection
RCBO Selection Factors
STEPS
- RCD type: AC, A, F, or B
- Pole format and circuit arrangement
- Rated current and branch-protection range
- Breaking capacity
- Residual-current sensitivity
- Trip curve and load characteristics
- Panel layout and installation format
TIPS
RCBO comparison usually starts with leakage-current type and circuit function, then moves to pole format, current range, breaking capacity, sensitivity, and trip-curve matching.
⎯⎯ FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an RCBO protect against?
An RCBO protects against residual-current faults, overloads, and short circuits in one device.
What is the difference between an RCBO and an RCCB?
An RCCB provides residual-current protection only, while an RCBO combines residual-current protection with overload and short-circuit protection.
What is the difference between an RCBO and an MCB?
An MCB provides overload and short-circuit protection, while an RCBO adds residual-current protection in the same device.
What trip curves are available?
Selected VIOX RCBO series show B, C, and D trip-curve options depending on the model.
How do I know whether an RCBO trip was caused by leakage or overcurrent?
Practical troubleshooting usually starts with the trip indication, the connected load condition, and whether the event follows startup current, insulation leakage, or a recurring earth-fault pattern. The exact method depends on the device design and the installation environment.
What current range do VIOX RCBOs cover?
The current live RCBO product range shows models from 6A to 63A depending on series.
⎯⎯ RCCB Resources
RCBO Catalogs, Specifications, and Series Information
The VIOX RCBO range covers modular combined-protection applications across residential, commercial, and industrial systems.
Product Notes
Key product considerations include pole format, current range, breaking capacity, sensitivity level, trip curve, and installation environment.
