Overview

The Mini RCBO Bi-Directional 6kA 32A delivers high-power protection for the most demanding single-phase circuits, featuring true bi-directional operation that eliminates traditional supply orientation restrictions while providing robust 32-ampere protection for major household and commercial appliances. With a 32-ampere rated current and 1P+N (single pole + neutral) configuration in a compact 1-module design, this Mini RCBO is specifically engineered for protecting electric shower units (7.2kW to 7.36kW), electric cookers and ovens, large commercial catering equipment, industrial machinery, electric vehicle charging points, sub-main distribution circuits, and any high-power application requiring 32A protection with maximum installation flexibility. The device delivers 6kA rated short-circuit breaking capacity (Icn) with an exceptional 7.5kA service breaking capacity (Ics), ensuring reliable fault clearing under demanding conditions while maintaining full operational integrity.

Manufactured in strict compliance with IEC/EN61009-1 standards, this Type A Mini RCBO provides 30mA residual current protection capable of detecting both conventional sinusoidal AC leakage and pulsating DC leakage currents from modern electronic equipment. The revolutionary bi-directional design means the power supply can enter from either top or bottom terminals—unlike conventional RCBOs that require specific orientation—dramatically simplifying installation in crowded consumer units, retrofit applications, and distribution boards where traditional orientation would be impossible. With B-curve magnetic tripping characteristics (3-5x rated current = 96-160A trip range), pillar-type terminals accepting up to 25mm² cable, and impressive endurance ratings of 30,000 mechanical operations and 10,000 electrical operations, this Mini RCBO delivers uncompromising protection with unprecedented installation flexibility for 32A-rated high-power circuits.

Revolutionary Bi-Directional Design for High-Power Demanding Circuits

The Mini RCBO Bi-Directional 32A breaks free from one of the most frustrating limitations of traditional RCBOs—fixed supply orientation. Conventional RCBOs require power to enter from the top (supply side) and connect to the bottom (load side), creating installation challenges in crowded consumer units, when retrofitting into existing boards with pre-configured busbars, or when working in tight spaces where cable routing is constrained. This innovative bi-directional Mini RCBO accepts power from either top or bottom terminals equally, allowing electricians to install the device in any orientation that suits the existing board configuration. This flexibility dramatically reduces installation time, eliminates the need for complex cable re-routing, and makes this RCBO the ideal choice for replacement installations where the original wiring orientation cannot be easily changed. The 1P+N configuration provides switching and protection on the line conductor while the neutral conductor is switched but not fused, offering complete circuit isolation while maintaining the compact 1-module footprint that saves valuable space in consumer units. The 32-ampere rating makes this bi-directional RCBO perfect for electric shower units (the most common 32A application, typically 7.2kW to 7.36kW drawing 31.3A-32A), electric cookers and built-in ovens, large commercial catering equipment including fryers and griddles, industrial machinery including compressors and small welders, electric vehicle charging points (slow charging up to 7.36kW), sub-main distribution circuits feeding smaller consumer units, and any high-power circuit requiring 32A protection with maximum installation flexibility.

Furthermore, the Type A residual current characteristic combined with the 32A B-curve rating makes this bi-directional Mini RCBO exceptionally versatile for modern high-power circuits. Standard AC-type RCDs detect only smooth sinusoidal AC leakage currents, making them inadequate for circuits powering electronic equipment with switch-mode power supplies. This Type A Mini RCBO detects both AC sinusoidal and pulsating DC leakage currents, providing essential protection for modern 32A circuits powering electric showers with electronic temperature stabilization, induction cookers with power control electronics, EV chargers with communication and control systems, and commercial kitchen equipment with inverter drives. With 30mA sensitivity—the international standard for personnel protection against electric shock—this RCBO trips within milliseconds when leakage current exceeds 30mA. The mechanical endurance of 30,000 operations and electrical endurance of 10,000 cycles ensures long-term reliability for frequently accessed circuits. The bi-directional capability, combined with Type A protection and the high-capacity 32A B-curve rating, makes this Mini RCBO the ideal solution for electricians seeking installation flexibility without compromising on safety or performance for high-power demanding circuits.

Key Features

• Revolutionary Bi-Directional Operation – Accepts power supply from top or bottom terminals, eliminating traditional orientation restrictions

• Mini 1P+N Design – Compact 1-module width with line switching and neutral switching for complete circuit isolation

• 32A High-Power Rating – Perfect for electric showers, electric cookers, EV charging, and sub-main distribution circuits

• 6kA Breaking Capacity – Provides Icn=6kA and Ics=7.5kA (Ics higher than Icn for enhanced reliability)

• 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 with millisecond trip response

• B-Curve Magnetic Trip – 3-5x rated current (96-160A) tripping characteristic ideal for high-power appliance circuits

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

• Generous Cable Capacity – Pillar terminals accept up to 25mm² conductors for flexible installation

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

• Wide Operating Temperature – Functions reliably from -5°C to +55°C, stores from -25°C to +70°C

• High Dielectric Strength – 2500V insulation withstand for enhanced electrical safety

• Standards Compliance – Manufactured to IEC/EN61009-1 for international acceptance

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Mini RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent) – Bi-Directional

• Rated Current: 32 Amperes

• Number of Poles: 1P+N (1 module width, line + neutral switching)

• Rated Voltage: 230/240VAC

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

• Service Breaking Capacity (Ics): 7.5kA

• Magnetic Tripping Characteristics: B Curve (3-5x In = 96-160A trip range)

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

• Rated Residual Current: 30mA

• Direction of Operation: Bi-directional (top or bottom supply)

• Mechanical Endurance: 30,000 operations

• Electrical Endurance: 10,000 operations

• Frequency: 50/60 Hz

• Dielectric Strength: 2500V

• Power Supply Orientation: UP (but accepts supply from either direction)

• 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 high-power appliances specifically require a 32A bi-directional Mini RCBO?
A 32A RCBO is required for appliances with power ratings between 5.5kW and 7.36kW (at 230V). The most common applications include electric shower units (7.2kW to 7.36kW, drawing 31.3A-32A), electric cookers and built-in ovens (most domestic cookers), large commercial catering equipment including fryers and griddles, electric vehicle charging points (up to 7.36kW slow charging), industrial machinery including compressors and small welders, and sub-main distribution circuits. The bi-directional feature makes installation in existing consumer units much easier, especially when retrofitting an electric shower circuit where the original wiring orientation may be fixed.

2. Why is bi-directional operation particularly valuable for electric shower circuits?
Electric shower circuits are often installed in utility rooms or bathrooms where the consumer unit may be located in tight spaces with pre-existing cable routing. The original installation may have been wired with specific orientation that makes conventional top-feed RCBO installation difficult or impossible without extensive rewiring. Bi-directional operation allows you to install this 32A Mini RCBO in any orientation that matches the existing cable entry, saving hours of rework and eliminating the need to modify existing wiring. This is especially valuable when replacing older consumer units where cable lengths are fixed and cannot be easily re-routed.

3. What is the difference between 1P+N (this RCBO) and 1P (standard RCBO) for a 32A circuit?
A standard 1P RCBO switches and protects only the line (live) conductor—the neutral passes through unprotected but is disconnected when the device trips. A 1P+N RCBO (like this Mini RCBO) switches both the line AND neutral conductors, providing complete isolation of the circuit. The neutral is switched but not fused (no overcurrent protection on neutral). This 1P+N design is strongly preferred for high-power circuits like electric showers and cookers because it ensures the entire circuit is fully disconnected when tripped, eliminating any potential shock hazard from a neutral conductor that remains live due to shared neutral conditions in split-load consumer units, which is critical in wet areas like bathrooms.

4. Can I use this 32A bi-directional RCBO to protect an electric shower that draws 32A continuously?
Yes, with careful consideration. For continuous loads operating for 3+ hours (electric showers typically operate for 10-20 minutes, not continuous), regulations would require derating to 80% of rated current. Since electric showers are intermittent loads (typical use 5-15 minutes), they can be protected at full 32A rating. However, the cable sizing must be adequate—minimum 6mm² for a 32A electric shower circuit, with 10mm² recommended for longer runs to prevent voltage drop. The bi-directional feature doesn't affect these ratings but makes installation much easier regardless of cable entry orientation. Always check the manufacturer's installation instructions for specific circuit requirements.

5. What is the significance of Ics=7.5kA being higher than Icn=6kA on this bi-directional RCBO?
Icn (6kA) is the rated short-circuit breaking capacity—the maximum fault current this RCBO can interrupt once and remain safe for continued use. Ics (7.5kA) is the service short-circuit breaking capacity—the fault current the RCBO can interrupt and still remain fully functional for normal service. Having Ics higher than Icn is a premium reliability feature. It means if this RCBO clears a fault up to 7.5kA (25% higher than its rated capacity), it will continue operating correctly without needing replacement. This is particularly valuable for 32A electric shower circuits where the connected equipment is expensive, the circuit is critical for daily use, and the cost of replacing a protective device after a fault event is significant. The bi-directional design combined with this enhanced reliability makes this an outstanding choice for mission-critical high-power circuits.