Overview

The 6kA 6A RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent) represents the pinnacle of electrical safety integration, combining the functions of a miniature circuit breaker and a residual current device into a single, space-saving 1-module unit. With a 6-ampere rated current, this RCBO is specifically engineered for protecting dedicated lighting circuits, sensitive electronic equipment, smoke alarm systems, fire alarm panels, small control circuits, and other low-current applications where both overcurrent protection and earth leakage detection are critical. The device delivers 6kA short-circuit breaking capacity (Icn) with an impressive 7.5kA service breaking capacity (Ics), ensuring reliable fault clearing even under demanding conditions while maintaining operational integrity.

Manufactured to comply with IEC/EN61009-1 standards, this Type A RCBO provides 30mA residual current protection specifically designed to detect both sinusoidal AC leakage and pulsating DC leakage currents—making it essential for circuits powering modern electronics, computers, appliances with switch-mode power supplies, and equipment containing single-phase rectified circuits. The Type A characteristic offers superior protection compared to basic AC-type RCDs, which only detect sinusoidal leakage currents. With B-curve magnetic tripping characteristics (3-5x rated current), this RCBO is ideally suited for resistive and lightly inductive loads where nuisance tripping must be minimized. The device supports 230/240VAC single-phase systems, operates at 50/60Hz, and features pillar-type terminals accepting up to 25mm² cable, making it a comprehensive protection solution for residential, commercial, and industrial applications requiring the highest standards of electrical safety.

Ultimate Integrated Safety for Sensitive Low-Current Circuits

The 6A RCBO addresses a critical gap in electrical protection that standard MCBs or standalone RCDs cannot individually provide. While a conventional MCB protects only against overcurrent and short circuits, and a separate RCD only detects earth leakage, this integrated RCBO delivers both protection mechanisms simultaneously within a single 1-module DIN rail footprint. This integration is particularly valuable for dedicated lighting circuits where earth leakage from moisture ingress or damaged insulation could create shock hazards without tripping the overcurrent protection. The 6-ampere rating makes this RCBO perfect for lighting circuits with LED or fluorescent fittings (which can generate harmonic currents that standard AC-type RCDs may not detect properly), smoke alarm interconnects, fire alarm field loops, intruder alarm systems, door entry systems, small pump control circuits, and sensitive electronic equipment requiring both fault current and earth leakage protection.

Furthermore, the Type A residual current characteristic sets this RCBO apart from basic AC-type protection devices. Standard AC-type RCDs only detect smooth sinusoidal AC leakage currents—adequate for pure resistive or inductive loads but increasingly inadequate for modern electrical installations containing switch-mode power supplies, variable speed drives, induction cooktops, washing machines, dishwashers, EV chargers, and other electronics that generate pulsating DC leakage currents. The Type A rating detects both AC sinusoidal and pulsating DC residual currents, providing comprehensive protection for contemporary electrical systems. With 30mA sensitivity—the standard for personnel protection against electric shock—this RCBO will trip within milliseconds when leakage current exceeds 30mA, long before ventricular fibrillation can occur. The mechanical endurance rating of 30,000 operations and electrical endurance of 10,000 cycles ensures long-term reliability, while the operating temperature range of -5°C to +55°C accommodates most indoor installation environments. For any low-current circuit where both overcurrent protection and advanced earth leakage detection are required, this 6A Type A RCBO delivers uncompromising safety in a compact, space-saving package.

Key Features

• Dual Protection Integration – Combines MCB overcurrent protection and RCD earth leakage protection in a single 1-module unit

• 6kA Breaking Capacity – Provides Icn=6kA and Ics=7.5kA short-circuit interruption for superior fault clearing

• Type A Residual Current Detection – Detects both sinusoidal AC and pulsating DC leakage currents for modern electronic loads

• 30mA Personnel Protection – Standard sensitivity for electric shock protection, tripping within milliseconds

• B-Curve Magnetic Trip – 3-5x rated current (18-30A) tripping characteristic ideal for lighting and resistive loads

• Single-Pole Configuration – 1P design with 1 module width for space-saving DIN rail installation

• High Cycle Life – Rated for 30,000 mechanical operations and 10,000 electrical operations

• Wide Cable Capacity – Pillar terminals accept up to 25mm² conductors

• IP20 Protection Rating – Suitable for installation within consumer units and distribution boards

• Wide Temperature Range – Operates from -5°C to +55°C, stores from -25°C to +70°C

• Dielectric Strength – 2500V insulation withstand for enhanced safety

• Top Supply Only – Designated power supply orientation for correct operation

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent)

• Rated Current: 6 Amperes

• Number of Poles: 1P (1 module width)

• Rated Voltage: 230/240VAC

• Short-Circuit Breaking Capacity (Icn): 6kA

• Service Breaking Capacity (Ics): 7.5kA

• Magnetic Tripping Characteristics: B Curve (3-5x In)

• Residual Tripping Characteristics: Type A (AC sinusoidal + pulsating DC)

• Rated Residual Current: 30mA

• Mechanical Endurance: 30,000 operations

• Electrical Endurance: 10,000 operations

• Frequency: 50/60 Hz

• Dielectric Strength: 2500V

• Power Supply Orientation: Top supply only (UP)

• Terminal Type: Pillar type

• Maximum Cable Termination: 25mm²

• Screw Torque: 2.5 Nm

• Protection Grade: IP20

• Operating Temperature: -5°C to +55°C

• Storage Temperature: -25°C to +70°C

• Standards Compliance: IEC/EN61009-1

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between this RCBO and using a separate MCB plus RCD?
An RCBO combines both overcurrent protection (MCB function) and earth leakage protection (RCD function) in a single 1-module device. Using separate MCB and RCD requires at least 2 modules (1 for MCB + 2 or 4 for RCD) and provides only shared RCD protection across multiple circuits. An RCBO provides dedicated, independent protection for each circuit—meaning a fault on one circuit doesn't take out other circuits. This RCBO also offers better discrimination and easier fault finding.

2. Why do I need Type A residual protection instead of standard AC type?
Standard AC-type RCDs only detect smooth sinusoidal AC leakage currents. Modern appliances contain switch-mode power supplies, rectifiers, and electronic controls that can produce pulsating DC leakage currents. AC-type RCDs may become desensitized or fail to detect these pulsating DC waveforms. Type A RCBOs detect both AC sinusoidal and pulsating DC leakage, making them essential for circuits powering computers, LED lighting, induction cooktops, washing machines, dishwashers, EV chargers, and any equipment with electronic power supplies.

3. What applications are suitable for a 6A RCBO with B-curve characteristic?
A 6A B-curve RCBO is ideal for lighting circuits (LED, fluorescent, or incandescent), smoke alarm interconnects, fire alarm systems, intruder alarms, door entry systems, CCTV power supplies, control circuits, small pumps, ventilation fans, and any circuit with resistive or lightly inductive loads where inrush current is minimal. The B-curve (3-5x rated current) trips between 18-30A, preventing nuisance tripping while providing adequate protection for these sensitive low-current circuits.

4. What is the significance of Ics=7.5kA being higher than Icn=6kA?
Icn (6kA) is the rated short-circuit breaking capacity—the fault current the RCBO can interrupt once and remain safe. Ics (7.5kA) is the service short-circuit breaking capacity—the fault current the RCBO can interrupt and still remain fully functional for continued service. Having Ics higher than Icn is exceptional, meaning this RCBO can clear a 7.5kA fault and continue operating normally, whereas most breakers require replacement after clearing a fault at their Icn rating. This provides superior reliability and reduced maintenance costs.

5. Can I use this 6A RCBO on a circuit with a 6A load and 30mA leakage?
Yes and no. The 6A rating handles continuous loads up to 6A (or 4.8A for continuous loads over 3 hours per derating rules). However, the 30mA residual rating means the RCBO will trip when leakage current exceeds 30mA—this is correct for personnel protection. If your equipment has normal leakage near 30mA, you may experience nuisance tripping. Most appliances have normal leakage below 10mA. For circuits with high inherent leakage (long cable runs or multiple devices), consider a 100mA time-delayed RCD upstream for selectivity.