Type B MCBs and RCDs, Clearing Up the Confusion.
From time to time here at eFIXX we meet electricians who tell us that they've been installing Type B RCDs for years... this seems... unlikely!
So we've created this video to explain the difference between a Type B MCB and a Type B RCD. Joe Robinson guides us through a subject that is critically important we get right.
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🕐 Chapters 🕕
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00:00 How does solar PV affect the consumer unit of an installation?
00:15 Full free CPD Module on Circuit Protection: 👉 training.efixx.co.uk/course/c...
00:24 Not all RCDs are created equal.
00:33 DC leakage can make RCDs not work properly.
00:55 The range of RCDs Type AC, Type A, Type F, Type B.
01:12 Are you fitting Type B RCDs? Are you sure?
02:07 Where does the confusion between different types of protective device come from?
02:31 B32 RCBO, what does the B mean?
03:00 How to identify the type of RCD from the symbol on the device.
03:20 What's the difference between Type B, C and D MCB?
04:45 What protection does a Type B RCD provide?
05:01 Where should I use a Type B RCD?
05:47 Next video in the series: 👉 • Are You Calculating Ma...
05:53 Full free CPD Module on Circuit Protection: 👉 training.efixx.co.uk/course/c...
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❌ This content on this channel is for electrical professionals.❌ ==================================
📹 Presented by
Joe Robinson - Technical Editor
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#electricaldesign #electricians #electricalinstallation
It might be easier if they were referred to as the MCB function as a B curve device, and the RCD function as a type B device. It seems more fitting but anyone in the trade should understand it either way. Always better to have different terms to describe different elements of a single device. An RCBO might be B curve MCB and A type RCD, so referred to as B curve type A RCBO.
I really despair at the standards committees who come up with these designations. For MCBs a curve type A was avoided specifically to prevent confusion with the Amp rating. Now all logic and consideration has gone out of the window as they designate type A and type B RCD functionality. And for some ludicrous reason type F is between type A and B. Labeling and ordering of RCBOs will be a nightmare!
great video. waiting for type of RCD next. hopes you could explain about RCD feature symbol on RCD too.
In the unit I used to work we had a 3-phase distributiin unit with all circuits protected by RCBO. Unfortunately, we manufactured control panels with inverter drives and they would invariably trip the breaker due to leakage current, the only work-around was to not connect an earth wire to the control panel during testing. The proper solution would have been to replace them with an RCBO designed for operation with VSD but because they are generally wider (8-module wide inatead of 6) you can't do a direct swap-out. We also had problems at trade shows held in hotels because of inverters tripping out the distribution board RCDs
I totally understood what you said Joe, but will take bloke fitting the kit have seen this video or been trained to fit this stuff in the first place?
can you do a video on infrared panel heaters vs oil filled radiators please?
yes, thank you for the content. I know this isn't the topic of the video but. . . at 3:24 what's the '3' for below the 10kA rating info on those MCB's?
That’s the energy limitation class, it can be class 1-3. A higher the number means less energy will be let through in case of a short circuit.
What's the confusion about this? These are two different devices, for two different fault conditions. Letter 'B' have different meaning in each device.
RCBOs are generally sold as type B. But they are in fact Type B (current curve) but remain Type A RCD. Some sparks are going around mixing these up.
@@josephkaz9093 my boss did.... I kinda just stared at him open mouthed
99% of my colleagues at work don't know
@@josephkaz9093 as of right now I haven’t seen any Type B RCBO devices yet. So the confusion is easily spotted. When these devices come to market it will become more difficult.
@@jeroenlodder5838 they exist, search garo type B RCBO. It’s a 4 module (iirc) monster
If some people are getting confused between type B characteristics MCB / RCBO and type B RCD, they have chosen the wrong trade. As some other people mentioned, those are 2 completely different devices.
I believe the confusion arises when you start discussing RCBOs
You are 1000% correct
@josephkaz9093 Yeah, but RCBO's are generally available as type A (RCD) and with MCB type B or C trip characteristics.
If a sparky doesn't know what the letters on an MCB are or the symbols on an RCD mean , it's obvious they don't understand how to correctly assess the job there undertaking and shouldn't be allowed on site .
PV and EV customers who have done their research know more than the sparks these days. My high frequency inverter calls for a type B RCD. Spark: installed curve B type A RCBO. I bet him the entire installation fee it’s wrong and if I’m wrong, I will pay double. I ended up being right, needs a type B RCD. Put in a garo double pole curve C type B RCBO that occupies 4 ways in its own consumer unit.
Had a similar conversation with a heat pump. Had to educate the spark on it. Should’ve made a similar bet!!!
That will have confused lots of people. Should be printed in bold in the OSG (Onsite Guide)
B type, type B Without pointing fingers and accusing others of their lack of training (see other posts) You can understand the confusion and throw into the mix “bi directional” etc you can plainly see the manufacturer has to take some responsibility for this? Go into a wholesale counter and ask for a b type or type b etc I bet they’ll hand you something different every time? Maybe a new classification signage of RCD rccb rcbo etc perhaps? Ladies names perhaps or Greek letters? “Yes I would like a double pole RCBO 32amp please”😊 “Not a problem sir, would that be the Mary or Sally or Kate?” “It’s ok I’m fitting a heat pump so the Mary version will be quite adequate” Not all of us are walking regs books (yes I do consult the brown bible) but we are human and using similar terms is causing issues. Again a customer doesn’t know why they need a particular type of protection but they sure get angry when the cost goes up by hundreds because DC leaks and we have to fit this expensive magical item. They’ll ask why does it leak then? And why make a thing that leaks in the first place?? Indeed why? Hmm I leave that to the smart arses that’ll probably comment after me And go!😋😉😁
If only they just labelled them B32B eh 🙄👍 or even the B next to the symbol
I think the confusion starts with pre loaded boards. Off the shelf no need to do any design/equipment selection. As an older generation We need to stop giving the apprentice the quick fix answer and help explain why we use the equipment we use. We shouldn't think the lecture at the college is the only person to pass on this knowledge
I'm astounded nobody at whoever comes up with RCD types saw this coming. There are already Type F RCDs, just advance from there into Type J etc, what was the point of jumping back to 'Type B'?
All MCB's are characteristic B regarding tripping on high currents. RCD's are normally TYPE A fault current detection. Type B is "B for Better".
Except for those MCBs that have C and D tripping characteristics. 🤦♂️
Most over current protective devices in *domestic* installations are *typically* type B.
Type B for better 😂🤦♂
Type B RCDs can detect sinusoidal AC, pulsating DC, composite of multi-frequency as well as smooth DC residual currents. In addition, tripping conditions are defined with different frequencies from 50Hz to 1kHz. In an AC electrical distribution network, a pure DC residual current can be mainly generated from three-phase rectifying circuits, but also from some specific single phase rectifiers. Type B RCD are intended to be used for loads with three-phase rectifier, such as variable speed drives, PV system, EV charging station and medical equipment.
I don't think "RCD's are normally Type A.." is true. I have seen Type AC, A and B in residential properties. AC is undoubtedly the worst and should not be used unless it can proven that appliances used have zero DC leakage current.
The difference between an RCD and a MCB!!!! There shouldn't be a video to explain that!!!???? U gotta be joking!!!!! The difference between two forms of circuit protection?? What's next?? The difference between single phase and 3 phase lol.....
Everything's obvious once you know it. 🤷