Residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) is a safety device that protects against electric shock and fire hazards by instantly disconnecting an electrical circuit when it detects a dangerous imbalance between the current in the live and neutral wires. This imbalance, or residual current, occurs when electricity leaks, for example, through a person touching a faulty appliance, and the RCCB trips the power to prevent injury. It is important to note that an RCCB does not protect against overcurrent or short circuits; for this, it must be used alongside a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) or an RCBO (which combines both functions).

Residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) is a safety device that protects against electric shock and fire hazards by instantly disconnecting an electrical circuit when it detects a dangerous imbalance between the current in the live and neutral wires. This imbalance, or residual current, occurs when electricity leaks, for example, through a person touching a faulty appliance, and the RCCB trips the power to prevent injury. It is important to note that an RCCB does not protect against overcurrent or short circuits; for this, it must be used alongside a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) or an RCBO (which combines both functions). 
How it works
Current sensing: -
The RCCB continuously monitors the current flowing through the live wire and the returning current through the neutral wire.
Detecting imbalance:-
 Under normal operation, the currents are equal. If the current in the live wire becomes greater than the neutral wire, it means current is leaking elsewhere, such as through a person to the ground.
Tripping the circuit:-
 When the imbalance (residual current) exceeds a preset, safe threshold (sensitivity), a sensor within the RCCB triggers a mechanism to rapidly cut off the power supply to the circuit. 

Key features and purpose
Protection against electric shock:-
 It provides life-saving protection against indirect contact, where a person touches a live part that has become exposed.
Fire prevention:-
 It guards against fire hazards that can result from insulation failure or other electrical faults that cause leakage current.
Rapid response: -
The RCCB trips in milliseconds, minimizing the duration of the electric shock.
Sensitivity levels:-
 R C C Bs are available in different sensitivity ratings, measured in milliamperes (mA):
30 mA: -
For personal protection in residential and office settings.
100 mA or 300 mA: -
For equipment and fire protection in industrial environments.
Complementary protection: -
For complete circuit protection, an RCCB should be paired with an MCB, which is designed to protect against overcurrent and short circuits. Alternatively, an RCBO combines the functions of both an RCCB and an MCB in a single device. 

MJF Lion ER YK Sharma 

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