Overview

The Mini RCBO Bi-Directional 6kA 10A delivers a perfect balance of protection and installation flexibility, featuring true bi-directional operation that eliminates traditional supply orientation restrictions while providing robust 10-ampere protection for general purpose circuits. With a 10-ampere rated current and 1P+N (single pole + neutral) configuration in a compact 1-module design, this Mini RCBO is specifically engineered for protecting general purpose socket outlets, lighting circuits, office equipment, IT infrastructure, vending machines, small appliances, and any medium low-current application where installation flexibility and space efficiency are paramount. 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 = 30-50A 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 10A-rated circuits.

Revolutionary Bi-Directional Design for General Purpose Circuits

The Mini RCBO Bi-Directional 10A 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 10-ampere rating makes this bi-directional RCBO perfect for general purpose socket circuits, small appliance circuits, office power outlets, commercial display units, and any circuit requiring 10A protection with maximum installation flexibility.

Furthermore, the Type A residual current characteristic combined with the 10A B-curve rating makes this bi-directional Mini RCBO exceptionally versatile for modern general purpose 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 10A circuits powering computers, printers, monitors, LED lighting, phone chargers, vending machines, and small appliances 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 practical 10A B-curve rating, makes this Mini RCBO the ideal solution for electricians seeking installation flexibility without compromising on safety or performance for general purpose 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

• 10A Practical Rating – Perfect for general purpose socket circuits, office equipment, and small appliances

• 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 (30-50A) tripping characteristic ideal for socket and general purpose 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: 10 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 = 30-50A 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 makes bi-directional operation particularly valuable for 10A general purpose circuits?
General purpose 10A circuits are the most common circuits found in consumer units, often occupying multiple ways in the board. When retrofitting or replacing existing RCBOs, the original wiring orientation may not match conventional top-feed requirements. Bi-directional operation allows electricians to install this 10A Mini RCBO in any orientation that fits the existing busbar configuration or cable routing, eliminating the need to rewire multiple circuits. This is especially valuable when replacing older units where space is tight and cable lengths are fixed.

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 preferred for socket circuits because it ensures the entire circuit is disconnected when tripped, eliminating any potential shock hazard from a neutral conductor that remains live due to shared neutral conditions in split-load boards.

3. What applications are ideal for a 10A bi-directional Mini RCBO?
This 10A B-curve bi-directional Mini RCBO is perfect for general purpose socket circuits (individual or small groups), office equipment power, IT and computer workstations, vending machines, small kitchen appliances, commercial display units, LED lighting circuits with moderate loads, circulation pumps, ventilation fans, and any general purpose circuit where 10A protection is needed with maximum installation flexibility. The bi-directional feature makes it especially valuable for retrofitting into older consumer units where traditional orientation would be difficult or impossible.

4. Can I use this 10A bi-directional RCBO to protect a circuit with multiple 13A sockets?
Yes, a 10A RCBO can protect a circuit with multiple 13A BS1363 sockets, provided the total expected load does not exceed 10A. In practice, this limits the circuit to approximately 2-3 double sockets in a commercial environment or 3-4 double sockets in a domestic environment where loads are typically lower. For standard ring circuits with unlimited sockets, a 16A or 20A RCBO would be more appropriate. This 10A rating is best suited for dedicated socket circuits feeding specific equipment with known loads, such as an office workstation or a vending machine.

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.