RCBO

A KRIPAL RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent) is an advanced circuit protection device that combines three essential safety functions into a single unit:

• Overload Protection (like an MCB)
• Short-Circuit Protection (like an MCB)
• Earth Leakage Protection (like an RCD)

This integrated design, found in our UKL7 and UKL2 series, eliminates the need for separate MCB and RCD devices on a circuit. It provides simultaneous protection for both equipment (from overcurrents) and personnel (from electric shock), making it one of the most comprehensive protection devices available.

The KRIPAL RCBO offers significant benefits in safety, convenience, and performance:

Selective Tripping: If a fault occurs, only the affected circuit is disconnected. This prevents a single fault from shutting down power to multiple circuits, ensuring greater operational continuity.

Space Saving: Its integrated design saves valuable space in your distribution board, allowing for a more compact and organised installation.

Simplified Diagnostics: When a trip occurs, the RCBO instantly identifies the faulty circuit and the type of fault (overload, short-circuit, or earth leakage), speeding up troubleshooting.

The breaking capacity (10kA) indicates the maximum short-circuit current the RCBO can safely interrupt without being destroyed. A 10kA rating is considered high for residential and commercial applications, meaning the UKL7 series can withstand and clear severe electrical faults, providing an extra layer of safety and reliability for your electrical installation.

This defines the type of earth leakage current the RCBO can detect:

• Type AC: Detects only alternating sinusoidal leakage currents. Suitable for simple, traditional loads like incandescent lighting and basic motors.
• Type A: Detects both AC and pulsating DC leakage currents.

This is the recommended choice for modern installations, as it protects against faults from electronic devices like variable-speed drives, EV chargers, and IT equipment.

KRIPAL RCBOs support both Type AC and Type A, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications in both residential and industrial settings.

The sensitivity, or rated residual operating current, should be selected based on the protection goal:

10mA & 30mA: Used for personal protection against electric shock. 30mA is the standard for most socket outlets in homes, while 10mA offers enhanced protection in high-risk areas like bathrooms.

100mA & 300mA: Primarily used for fire prevention and protection of equipment. These are often applied at the origin of an installation or for circuits with higher inherent leakage, helping to prevent nuisance tripping while still providing a vital safety barrier against earth fault fires.

Yes. The versatility of KRIPAL RCBOs, including the high-performance UKL7 series, makes them suitable for a broad spectrum of applications. Their robust design, high breaking capacity, and support for both single-phase and three-phase power systems allow them to meet the demands of everything from a family home to an industrial workshop.