Overview

The 6kA 32A RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent) delivers comprehensive high-power electrical safety by integrating both overcurrent protection and residual current detection into a single, space-saving 1-module unit. With a 32-ampere rated current, this RCBO is perfectly suited for protecting high-demand circuits including electric shower units (7.2kW to 7.36kW), electric cookers and ovens, large commercial catering equipment, industrial machinery, electric vehicle charging points, immersion heaters with boost capability, sub-main distribution circuits, and any high-power application requiring robust 32A protection. 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 for continued service after fault interruption.

Manufactured in strict compliance with IEC/EN61009-1 standards, this Type A RCBO provides 30mA residual current protection specifically engineered to detect both conventional sinusoidal AC leakage and the pulsating DC leakage currents generated by modern electronic equipment. The Type A characteristic offers superior protection compared to basic AC-type RCDs, making it essential for high-power circuits powering modern appliances with electronic controls, switch-mode power supplies, inverters, and variable speed drives. With B-curve magnetic tripping characteristics (3-5x rated current = 96-160A trip range), this RCBO is perfectly calibrated for high-power circuits where moderate inrush currents from motors, compressors, or heating elements must be accommodated without nuisance tripping. Operating on 230/240VAC single-phase systems at 50/60Hz, featuring pillar-type terminals accepting up to 25mm² cable, and rated for 30,000 mechanical operations, this 32A RCBO represents the ideal protection solution for demanding residential high-power circuits, commercial catering installations, and light industrial applications requiring robust integrated electrical safety.

Essential Protection for High-Demand Power Circuits

The 32A RCBO addresses the most demanding single-phase power circuits found in residential and commercial installations, protecting equipment that draws substantial continuous current where both overcurrent protection and advanced earth leakage detection are critical. While a conventional MCB protects only against overcurrent and short circuits, and a standalone RCD provides only earth leakage detection often shared across multiple circuits, this integrated RCBO delivers both protection mechanisms simultaneously within a single 1-module DIN rail footprint. This integration is particularly valuable for high-power circuits where equipment with electronic controls (modern electric showers with temperature stabilization, induction cookers, EV chargers) requires both precise overcurrent protection and Type A earth leakage detection to prevent nuisance tripping while ensuring personnel safety. The 32-ampere rating makes this RCBO perfect for electric shower units (rated 7.2kW to 7.36kW, drawing 31.3A to 32A at 230V), 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), immersion heaters with high-power boost elements, sub-main distribution circuits feeding smaller consumer units, and any high-power circuit requiring 32A protection with both fault current and earth leakage detection.

Furthermore, the Type A residual current characteristic elevates this RCBO above basic AC-type protection devices that are increasingly inadequate for modern high-power electrical installations. Standard AC-type RCDs detect only smooth sinusoidal AC leakage currents—adequate for pure resistive loads like simple heating elements but dangerously ineffective for contemporary high-power appliances containing electronic controls and switch-mode power supplies. Modern equipment including electric showers with electronic temperature stabilization, induction cookers with power control electronics, EV chargers with communication and control circuits, inverter-driven commercial kitchen equipment, and variable speed drives for industrial machinery all generate pulsating DC leakage currents that can desensitize AC-type RCDs, causing them to fail to trip when dangerous earth leakage occurs. The Type A rating detects both AC sinusoidal and pulsating DC residual currents, providing comprehensive protection for today's mixed-technology high-power electrical systems. With 30mA sensitivity—the internationally recognized standard for personnel protection against electric shock—this RCBO will trip within milliseconds (typically less than 40ms at 5x IΔn) when leakage current exceeds 30mA, long before ventricular fibrillation can occur. The mechanical endurance rating of 30,000 operations ensures long-term reliability, while the electrical endurance of 10,000 cycles provides confidence for permanent installations. For any 32A-rated high-power circuit where both overcurrent protection and advanced earth leakage detection are required, this Type A RCBO delivers uncompromising integrated safety in a compact, space-saving 1-module package.

Key Features

• Complete 2-in-1 Protection – Integrates MCB overcurrent protection and RCD earth leakage protection in a single 1-module unit

• Superior 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 and equipment circuits

• Single-Pole Compact Design – 1P configuration with 1 module width for space-saving DIN rail installation

• 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

• Top Supply Orientation – Designated power supply direction for correct and safe operation

Technical Specifications

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

• Rated Current: 32 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 = 96-160A trip range)

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

• 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 high-power appliances specifically require a 32A RCBO?
A 32A RCBO is required for appliances with power ratings between 5.5kW and 7.36kW (at 230V). Common examples include electric shower units (most common application, typically 7.2kW to 7.36kW drawing 31.3A-32A), electric cookers and ovens (most domestic cookers), large commercial catering equipment including fryers, griddles, and boilers, electric vehicle charging points (up to 7.36kW slow charging), industrial machinery including compressors and small welders, and sub-main distribution circuits. If your appliance rating exceeds 7.36kW, you would need a 40A or higher protective device.

2. Why does an electric shower circuit specifically need a Type A RCBO rather than an AC-type RCD?
Modern electric showers increasingly incorporate electronic temperature stabilization, digital displays, flow sensors, and printed circuit board controls—all of which contain switch-mode power supplies that generate pulsating DC leakage currents. Standard AC-type RCDs can become desensitized by these pulsating DC waveforms and may fail to trip when dangerous earth leakage occurs through the shower unit or its water supply. Type A RCBOs are specifically designed to detect both AC sinusoidal and pulsating DC leakage, providing essential protection for circuits powering modern electronic-controlled showers where water and electricity are in close proximity.

3. Can I use a 32A RCBO to protect an electric shower that draws 32A continuously?
Yes, but with an important derating consideration. For continuous loads operating for 3+ hours (electric showers typically operate for 10-20 minutes, not continuous), regulations 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. Always check the manufacturer's installation instructions for specific circuit requirements.

4. What is the significance of Ics=7.5kA being higher than Icn=6kA on this 32A 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. Most standard protective devices require replacement after clearing any fault at their Icn rating. This provides superior reliability and lower maintenance costs for high-power circuits.

5. What cable size is required for a 32A circuit protected by this RCBO?
For a 32A circuit, the minimum recommended cable size is 6mm² for standard PVC-insulated copper conductors in open air or clipped direct. For longer runs exceeding approximately 30 metres, or for cables installed in thermal insulation, conduit with other circuits, or in high ambient temperatures, 10mm² is strongly recommended to prevent excessive voltage drop (maximum 3% for lighting or 5% for power circuits) and ensure adequate fault current carrying capacity. The terminals on this RCBO accept up to 25mm², allowing for substantial oversizing where voltage drop or future expansion is a concern. For electric shower circuits, 10mm² is recommended for all installations due to the high continuous current during operation. Always consult BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) for specific installation methods and derating factors.