The FuseBox AFDD_RCBO is an Arc Fault Detection Device (AFDD) combined with a Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO), designed for use in electrical installations to provide enhanced safety against various electrical faults. This 1P+N (single pole plus neutral) device offers switched line and neutral protection, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in consumer units and modular enclosures.
Function Description:
The primary function of the AFDD_RCBO is to detect and mitigate the risks associated with arc faults, overloads, short circuits, and earth leakages.
- Arc Fault Detection: It identifies both series and parallel arc faults, which can lead to fires due to overheating of conductors or insulation. This is a critical safety feature, as traditional circuit breakers may not detect these types of faults.
- Overload Protection: The device protects circuits from excessive current draw, which can damage wiring and appliances.
- Short Circuit Protection: It rapidly disconnects the circuit in the event of a short circuit, preventing damage to the electrical system and reducing fire hazards. The rated breaking capacity is 6000A (6kA).
- Earth Leakage Protection (RCBO): It detects small currents flowing to earth, which can indicate insulation failure or a person coming into contact with a live part, thereby preventing electric shock. The rated residual operating current (IΔn) is 30mA, and it is a Type A device, meaning it detects AC and pulsating DC residual currents up to 6mA.
The device operates on a 230V AC supply at a frequency of 50/60 Hz. It is available in various rated current (In) options: 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A, and 40A. The tripping characteristics are B Curve, meaning it trips between 3 and 5 times the rated current (In) for overcurrent protection.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Rated Current (In): 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A, 40A
- Rated Voltage (Un/AC): 230V
- Frequency: 50/60 Hz
- Rated Breaking Capacity (Icn): 6000A (6kA)
- Rated Residual Operating Current (IΔn): 30mA
- Residual Current Characteristics: Type A (AC and pulsating DC up to 6mA)
- Tripping Characteristics: B Curve (3-5In)
- Number of Poles: 1P+N (Switched)
- Standard: IEC 61009-1, BS EN 62606
- Mechanical Endurance: 10,000 operations
- Protection Degree (IP): IP20
- Maximum Terminal Capacity: 1-16mm² for Line In / 1-10mm² for Neutral Out Line
- Recommended Tightening Torque: 2.5Nm for Line In / 1.2Nm for Neutral Out Line
- Flying Neutral Cable Length: 450mm (can be cut to suit)
- Overvoltage Protection: >285V
- Material: PA6 (Nylon 6)
- Weight (1PC): 0.185 Kg
- Energy Limiting Class: 3
- Mounting: 35mm DIN rail mounting
- GTIN-13: Specific GTINs are provided for each current rating, e.g., 5060523524457 for 6A.
- Origin of Manufacture: China
Usage Features:
- Installation: The AFDD_RCBO is designed for 35mm DIN rail mounting and is compatible with FuseBox consumer units and modular enclosures. Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with current IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671.
- Wiring: Connections include Line In (to the bus bar), a neutral flying lead (to the neutral terminal bar), and Load Out (L OUT and N OUT terminals) at the top. Load earth connects to the terminal bar.
- LED Indication: The device features an LED indicator system to provide visual feedback on its status and detected faults:
- Green LED on: Device operable.
- Red flash x1: Serial or parallel arc detected.
- Yellow flash x2: Overvoltage (>285V) detected.
- Yellow flash x3: Residual current detected.
- Red LED on: Self-test failed.
- NO LED: No supply voltage.
- Troubleshooting Tripping: In case of a trip, the recommended procedure is to reset the device to the ON position. If it trips again, disconnect all appliances, then reconnect them one at a time to identify the faulty appliance. If the fault persists, a qualified electrician should be contacted.
- TEST Button: The device includes a TEST button for verifying the earth leakage protection function. When pressed, the RCBO should trip.
- RCBO Test Specifications:
- 0.5IΔn: RCBO will not trip.
- 1IΔn: RCBO must trip within 300ms.
- 5IΔn: RCBO must trip within 40ms.
- Environmental: Waste electrical products should not be disposed of in household waste. Contact the retailer or local authority for recycling information.
Maintenance Features:
- IR (Insulation Resistance) Test: For insulation resistance testing, the Line and Neutral conductors do not need to be disconnected if the lever is in the OFF position. This simplifies testing procedures during installation and maintenance.
- Connection Verification: Before powering up the circuit, all connections must be torqued to the recommended specifications (2.5Nm for Line In, 1.2Nm for Neutral Out Line). Loose connections are a fire hazard.
- Post-Installation Testing: Upon completion of installation, the device must be tested in accordance with the latest edition of the IET Wiring Regulations for Electrical Installations (BS 7671).
- Fault Diagnosis: The LED indication system aids in quickly diagnosing the type of fault (arc, overvoltage, residual current, or self-test failure), which helps in efficient troubleshooting.