Functions   
4.1 Protection functions 
  3VL IEC molded case circuit breakers 
44  System Manual, 11/2013, 110 0110 - 02 DS 03 
 
Differential current protection with RCD module 
The molded case circuit breaker with differential current protection is very often used to implement a 
double function: 
●  Protection of systems against overload and short-circuit currents. 
●  Protection of cables and electrical equipment against damage from ground faults. 
The SENTRON VL RCD modules are offered as accessories for the VL160X, VL160, VL250 
and VL400 molded case circuit breakers with thermal-magnetic overcurrent releases. This 
combination is called molded case circuit breaker with differential current protection of 
type A. Type A means tripping is guaranteed both in the case of faults in sinusoidal 
alternating currents and in the case of faults in pulsating direct currents. These units have an 
adjustable trip time delay ∆t. The values for the rated fault current I
∆n
 can also be adjusted. 
In a fault-free system, the sum of the currents in the summation current transformer of the 
RCD module is zero. A ground fault current occurring in the circuit as the result of an 
insulation fault produces a differential current that induces a voltage in the secondary 
winding of the current transformer. The evaluation electronics monitors the induced voltage 
and transmit a trip command to the RCD trip unit if the trip criterion is met. The molded case 
circuit breaker with differential current protection combination is designed to open he molded 
case circuit breaker contacts if the differential current reaches a specific value. 
 
 
 
Note 
The RCD module can only be combined with 3VL molded case circuit breakers with thermal
-
magnetic overcurrent release. I
t cannot be combined with a molded case circuit breaker with