Overview

The Mini RCBO Bi-Directional 6kA 16A delivers the most popular current rating for general purpose power circuits, featuring true bi-directional operation that eliminates traditional supply orientation restrictions while providing robust 16-ampere protection for standard final socket circuits. With a 16-ampere rated current and 1P+N (single pole + neutral) configuration in a compact 1-module design, this Mini RCBO is specifically engineered for protecting standard BS1363 socket circuits, small appliance circuits, kitchen equipment, workshop machinery, commercial power outlets, and any general purpose power circuit where 16A protection is required 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 = 48-80A 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 the most common 16A-rated circuits.

Revolutionary Bi-Directional Design for Standard Power Circuits

The Mini RCBO Bi-Directional 16A 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 16-ampere rating makes this bi-directional RCBO perfect for standard final socket circuits (protecting up to 10-13 socket outlets depending on floor area and expected load), kitchen appliance outlets, washing machine and tumble dryer circuits, commercial power outlets in shops and offices, workshop equipment including bench grinders and small saws, and any general purpose power circuit requiring 16A protection with maximum installation flexibility.

Furthermore, the Type A residual current characteristic combined with the 16A B-curve rating makes this bi-directional Mini RCBO exceptionally versatile for modern general purpose 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 16A circuits powering computers, televisions, LED lighting, washing machines with inverter motors, dishwasher control boards, and any appliance with electronic controls. 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 industry-standard 16A B-curve rating, makes this Mini RCBO the ideal solution for electricians seeking installation flexibility without compromising on safety or performance for standard power 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

• 16A Industry-Standard Rating – Perfect for standard final socket circuits, kitchen appliances, and workshop equipment

• 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 (48-80A) tripping characteristic ideal for socket and general purpose power 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: 16 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 = 48-80A 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. Why is 16A the most common rating for RCBOs, and how does bi-directional help?
16A is the standard rating for final socket circuits in residential and commercial installations, protecting the majority of general purpose power outlets. Bi-directional operation is particularly valuable for 16A circuits because they are the most numerous circuits in any consumer unit. When retrofitting an entire board, being able to install each 16A RCBO in any orientation—matching existing busbar configurations without rewiring—saves hours of labour and eliminates the risk of wiring errors. This makes bi-directional 16A RCBOs the go-to choice for consumer unit upgrades and replacements.

2. What is the difference between 1P+N (this RCBO) and 1P (standard RCBO)?
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 socket circuits 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 or high-integrity consumer units.

3. What is the maximum number of socket outlets I can protect with a 16A bi-directional Mini RCBO?
For a standard final socket circuit protected by a 16A RCBO, BS 7671 (UK wiring regulations) allows an unlimited number of socket outlets, provided the expected load does not exceed 16A and the floor area served does not exceed 100 square metres for radial circuits. For ring circuits (wired in 2.5mm² cable), the maximum protected area is 100 square metres. In practice, for a 16A radial circuit, 3-5 double sockets is typical. For a 16A dedicated appliance circuit (washing machine, tumble dryer), a single outlet is standard. The bi-directional feature doesn't affect these ratings but makes installation much easier regardless of circuit configuration.

4. Can I use this bi-directional RCBO to replace an existing 16A MCB that is currently paired with a separate RCD?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, this is one of the most common upgrade paths. Many older consumer units use a single RCD protecting multiple MCBs. Upgrading to individual RCBOs (like this bi-directional 16A unit) provides dedicated protection for each circuit—meaning a fault on one circuit won't take out other circuits. The bi-directional feature is especially valuable here because the existing wiring orientation may not match conventional top-feed RCBOs. You can install this bi-directional RCBO in exactly the same orientation as the original MCB, connecting supply to whichever terminal matches the existing busbar, dramatically simplifying the upgrade.

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 bi-directional RCBOs used in retrofit installations where the available fault current may not be precisely known or may vary with supply conditions, and for 16A socket circuits where fault current levels can vary significantly depending on supply transformer distance and earthing arrangements.