RCD - RCCB and RCBO Differences explained

In this video we will look at a common misunderstanding and discuss the main differences between these protective devices. Explained in simple terms with plenty of diagrams and pictures this video will be found useful and informative by many in the electrical trade from new beginners to more experienced electricians and tradesmen.
The following videos from LearnElectrics may also be helpful to you.
HOW RCDs WORK, click on the link below
• HOW RCDs WORK
RCD WHAT DOES IT DO, click on the link below
• RCD what does it do. W...
This video is No.114 on our RUclips channel where we have videos on a wide range of electrical topics.
To see a full list of all our LearnElectrics videos, click on the link below.
/ @learnelectrics4402
You can also view all our videos by typing LearnElectrics all one word into the RUclips search bar.
Always work safely, electricity can be dangerous. If you are unsure, stop and seek advice.
This video is provided for guidance only. Every electrical situation is different, please check and ensure that you are applying this learning information to your own individual circumstances correctly and safely. If in doubt, stop and seek competent advice.

[@AK-ru5lt]

This man is something else! the way he’s explaining so good sometimes I feel he’s reading my mind because the questions I’m looking he just knew it before I expect
Learn electric ⚡️ is good then college!

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks for the great comments, really appreciated. Spread the word about the channel at college. Dave.

[@fam20242]

Thank you Excellent videos with easy to understand explanations. I'm really glad to have discovered your RUclips site.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Excellent, thank you for watching it is appreciated. lots more to come. Dave.

[@ashfaqjuna]

Excellent video, well explained. As an electronic engineer I really appreciate this clear and concise explanation 😊

[@learnelectrics4402]

Appreciated, thank you. Dave.

[@JohnSmith-kb5ku]

Fantastic devices. Salute to the person who created them. They really have added value to society and also saved lives.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Yes, technology works. Thanks for watching.

[@roberto49ism]

G'Day Dave,
Where have you been all my life! :)
Excellent videos with easy to understand explanations. I'm really glad to have discovered your RUclips site. Many thanks for all the work you have put into your videos.
Best regards, Rob FNQ,Au

[@learnelectrics4402]

Great to have you on board Rob. Lots more to come. Dave.

[@lkllogjri9310]

No Fluff Pure Gold, should be the title of this channel! While most of the channels here are focused on glamour, showing off tools or how much they made or gimmicks - this is simply no fat, no fluff, no fancy nonsense. I also love the fact that nothing is left to chance - fool proof.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Well, I can't argue with that. Brilliant feedback, thank you so much. Just trying my best to make sure you guys have the knowledge. Its a great trade and its taken me around the world several times. Thank you. Dave

[@peterrobinson850]

Hi, From an old spark from the 60's. As usual well articulated and well presented, I enjoy watching and love the clear diagrammatic examples. I would have loved to have had you in my old college days, excellent 5 stars.
Peter.

[@learnelectrics4402]

I remember the old college days as well Peter. Why didn't we have the internet when we were learning? Thanks for your support. Dave.

[@peanutpotion]

The best electrical knowledge videos on RUclips 👍🏼

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks for the great comment. Much appreciated. Dave.

[@davidpatterson1574]

Excellent explanation Dave, and superb graphics -many thanks

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks David, thanks for watching. Dave.

[@brencostigan]

Excellent video - Thanks 👍 Makes a refreshing change from the usual misinformed videos on this subject.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Great feedback, really appreciated. Thank you. Dave.

[@seanh5648]

Thanks Dave. This is really helpful.
Been metal munching on site since my apprenticeship and this has helped me brush up on my old knowledge.

[@learnelectrics4402]

That's good to hear Sean, the metal munching and the brushing up. Thanks for watching, lots more to come. Dave.

[@hoihaihoi]

Simple and easy to comprehend. Great

[@learnelectrics4402]

Excellent comment, thank you Patrick. Glad it was useful. Dave.

[@x1BULLETfromABOVE1x]

Another amazing video, I wish I had these when I was an apprentice

[@learnelectrics4402]

You and me both. It was text books only for me. Thanks for watching. Dave.

[@brjin6406]

Great video. Really helpful for CB selection.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Glad it was helpful, that's what it's there for. Dave.

[@geelim2181]

Excellent videos , thank you ! I have been searching high and low for the explanation of how RCD or RCBO may work in the 3phase motor circuits without a neutral. Worked it out in the end with help of your Kirchhoff's law videos , but it may be a good topic to cover with a separate videos.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Glad it was helpful Gee and your suggestion is noted. Dave.

[@kalumprasannaHW]

Useful and informative 👍

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thank you Kalum, appreciated.

[@mikehardy7060]

brilliant, very informative and helpful, thank you very much, now subscribed

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thank you Mike, glad you found it useful and thanks for watching. Dave.

[@iraznizam]

very clear and very precise... tq so much

[@learnelectrics4402]

You are welcome, thanks for watching. Dave.

[@lucapuzzoli8363]

Great explanation 👌 👍 thanks 😊

[@learnelectrics4402]

You are very welcome Luca. Thanks for watching. Dave.

[@pooryahoseinpanahi407]

Thanks,they were greatly differentiated

[@learnelectrics4402]

You're welcome, thanks for watching. Dave.

[@beemer4950]

Excellent video - really useful.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks for the great feedback, thanks for watching. Dave.

[@joecondescondes1354]

Good explanation, thank you Sir

[@learnelectrics4402]

You are welcome, thanks for watching. Dave.

[@stonegrundy123]

Well explained. Thanks

[@learnelectrics4402]

Glad you found it useful. Appreciated comments.

[@jeffmacharia735]

Thanks alot sir! Very informative

[@learnelectrics4402]

Most welcome Jeff, thanks for watching. Dave.

[@garyredmond1890]

Excellent, as usual.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thank you Gary, appreciated. Dave.

[@kaijiahuang1141]

Thanks, this is very clear.!

[@learnelectrics4402]

Glad it was helpful Kaijia, thanks for watching.

[@maksymilianskowronski8651]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Glad it was useful. Thanks for watching. Dave.

[@AskCorie]

Great video and easy to understand

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks for the comment. Glad you found it useful. Dave.

[@kriszrudi]

very good presentation, thanks for that!

[@learnelectrics4402]

Glad it was helpful, and thanks for watching. Dave.

[@Dibbo1979]

Another great video👍🏻

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks for the support Dibbo, really appreciated, Dave.

[@cygnus108]

Thank you very much for clearing that up....

[@learnelectrics4402]

Great. Thank you Alex. Dave.

[@azizurrahman6663]

Hi Dave excellent video thank you

[@learnelectrics4402]

Great Azizur. Thanks for the support. Dave.

[@db7174]

Thanks Dave great video ! well made video !

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks DB, same initials as mine. Thanks for the feedback. Dave.

[@db7174]

@@learnelectrics4402 well DB aswell must be a cool bloke too ! 🤗🤗🤗

[@acerot]

Thanks for the explanation. I would also appreciate practical pros and cons of using either RCCB+MCB or RCBO.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Good idea. Its on the list to be done. Appreciated. Dave.

[@30mAkills]

My brain says that RCBO is a costly combo 💊 beneficial for the manufacturer. Next year some genius manu may mix SPD, AFPD and make it more potent.

[@yusofyusof1551]

@@30mAkills Yes, I 100% agreed .
Technologies does evolved over time. It help human mankind life better and safe. Only down side RCBO is that, it's expensive. Hopefully more and more manufacturers or other brand could compete each other, therefore automatically the cost will goes down.

[@eliteelektriker6655]

Thnx for the explanation

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thank you, nice feedback. Dave.

[@kingofthetrowel1725]

Nice one dave 👍👍👌🙌🏻

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks for the support. Appreciated. Dave.

[@eugeniojoao4470]

Well explained

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thank you, appreciated comments, Dave.

[@o-techtips3871]

Thanks bro for ur info

[@learnelectrics4402]

My pleasure, thanks for watching. Dave.

[@malachygallagher4936]

Hi Dave
Excellent as usual!
Rgds mg.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thank you Malachy, much appreciated comment. Dave

[@WaschyNumber1]

Very nice video, know I understand the difference.
The rcbo is than the best fuse for any hobby build device. 🤔 😊

[@learnelectrics4402]

RCBOs combine overload protection and additional protection and are competitively priced now. Dave.

[@NA51RR]

Excellent

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thank you so much, appreciated. Dave.

[@mb-electricalservices]

Any chance of a door automation video? Safety sensor, door contact, push buttons etc etc and how they are wired. That would be cool. 👍

[@learnelectrics4402]

That sounds interesting. It's now on the list. Dave.

[@smartchip]

Good video, thanks,

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks for watching, appreciated. Dave.

[@krazylad84]

Excellent thanks

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks for your support. Thanks for watching. Dave.

[@bigbud1978]

So we’ll explained 👏🏻

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks for watching. Dave.

[@williamlau7179]

I am glad to be your student. A few days ago, I was struggling to understand this subject. Now it is very clear. Planning to change a 3-phase 63A 300mA rccb to 30mA for adequate safety (by technician). 300mA is a dangerous level. Also, installing a rcbo 1p 20A 10mA for water heater (law requirement). Not explained: rccb type AC & type A. Type A has added protection of pulsating DC leakage currents. Because of having inverter air cond and fridge, some claimed I should use type A rccb. Is it right? Most people are using type AC RCCB & I did purchased type AC. Which should I use? Thanks

[@ice5842]

Please buy rcbo instead of rccb

[@williamlau7179]

@@ice5842 yes, you are right, thanks.👍
My main rccb in the DB has main isolation fuses, and 40 MCB at downstream. So overall they act like rcbo for each electrical items. But for instant hot water shower, I need to ensure adequate safety protection, so I am installing additional rcbo 10ma for it. New main rccb is 30ma (changed from 300ma). If new rccb is sensitive during lightning, then will install a lightning arrestor in DB.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks for watching William. We have a video planned for types of RCB. 10mA devices are very sensitive, check your circuit leakage as anything above 5mA may trip the RCD/RCBO. Keep watching and thanks for the support. Dave.
Dave.

[@ifyougetstucklookitup237]

Thank you.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching. Dave.

[@ashenafimesele7443]

Thanks!

[@learnelectrics4402]

My pleasure, glad it was useful. Dave.

[@stuartshutt4118]

Not really important but the current flowing in the coils wrapped around the toroid creates a magnetic flux not current (with the exception of eddy currents which are just parasitic losses and not relevant to the operation of the breaker). The toroid can simply be considered as a closed magnetic device where the live and neutral windings act in opposition to create zero magnetic flux and hence create no voltage in the tertiary sensing winding. As I stated at the start, not important to the operation of the devices but we typically do what we can to prevent currents flowing in any transformer core as this simply generates unwanted heat and power loss. Otherwise a great video and judging from the other comments has helped the community.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Great response and info. Thanks for watching. Dave.

[@MalikARAwan-ep5wx]

Thanks sir

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thank you Malik, great feedback, appreciated. Lots more to come. Dave.

[@robinj9631]

Is it ok to use a 4 pole RCBO for a three phase circuit supplying and industrial refrigeration unit , rather than having a 4 pole RCCB with a 4 pole MCB ? Great video.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Yes, should be if the RCBO is the same amps and type ratings as the MCB and the same RCD trip current as the RCCB
Thanks for watching. Dave.

[@mohammedhagazy8017]

Thanks

[@learnelectrics4402]

Very welcome. Thanks for the feedback.

[@linossinkala7840]

Thankyou

[@learnelectrics4402]

And thank you for watching. Dave.

[@khalidrash5814]

Hello sir,
Should the outdoor service switch be greater or smaller than the main breaker in the consumer unit?
I'll be so grateful if you would send me back.
Thank you,
Khalid

[@learnelectrics4402]

The switch is just a switch, its not monitoring any current. As long as the switch is rated greater than any current that will pass through it that is ok. If its the main switch, in series with the main breaker, yes, the switch will need a greater switching capacity.

[@jovb143]

Our home electrical system has d following voltages: L to L = 240V ; L to N = 120V. I use 120V for my US bought power tools and 220V for all d rest. Looks like RCBO and RCCB are not applicable for this, aside from MCB do u have any suggestions where I can have the protection of RCD?

[@learnelectrics4402]

For new domestic work in the UK we should be RCD protecting all circuits. Thanks for watching, lots more to come. Dave.

[@pietnel6077]

I have a question on 3phase RCB. Why doesn't small load imbalance between the 3 phases and neutral not cause the RCB to trip? All phases are not always equal and if the load is perfectly balanced there is no Neutral current. How does it sense the residual current in these cases?

[@learnelectrics4402]

The electrical wizardry used in RCDs is amazing. Without going into great great detail, its sometimes best to just accept a basic understanding. Thanks for watching, but I will think about what you have said. Dave.

[@reeceyp1972]

If a consumer unit is only covered by an rcd as a main switch, would you c2 it as it has no over load protection.

[@learnelectrics4402]

Correct, it would be a C2 as its not dangerous if there is no fault on the system. If a short circuit appeared, or an overload, then you would need the circuit to disconnect and the RCD on its own might not.
Take a look at this video on the C codes.
ruclips.net/video/7lpkJFhq1E0/видео.html

[@Shoo8601]

Can I change a 63A RCD to a 63A RCBO? Will I have the same or better protection to the house?

[@learnelectrics4402]

Two different devices. An RCBO is for just one circuit with inbuilt overload protection. An RCD is just an RCD and can give additional protection to several circuits. Have another look at the video, Dave.

[@RationalThinker-ek8hw]

Does the RCD provide overcurrent protection?

[@learnelectrics4402]

NO. An RCBO will, but not an RCD. Hope this helps. Dave.

[@namikazeminato4798]

Hello can I use RCBO ON AIR CONDITIONING?

[@learnelectrics4402]

Yes you can, if its the correct rating and type. Thanks for watching. Dave.

[@namikazeminato4798]

@@learnelectrics4402 I will put in 1.5hp window ac so 20A RCBO?

[@radup.888]

Ok pop by itself than a rcbo) and 1 mcb if you could just buy 1 rcbo?

[@learnelectrics4402]

Thanks for watching. Dave.