How to identify it's RCCB or ELCB

The easy way to tell an old voltage operated trip is to look for the main earth wire connected through it. RCCB will only have the line and neutral connections. ELCB is working based on Earth leakage current.

What is RCCB

RCCB stands for Residual Current Circuit Breaker. This residual current device is basically an electrical wiring device that disconnects the circuit whenever there is leakage of current flow through the Human body or the current is not balanced between the phase conductor. It is the safest device to detect and trip against electrical leakage currents, that ensure protection against electric shock caused by direct contacts. RCCB is generally used in series with an MCB which protects them from over current and short circuit current. Both phase and neutral wires are connected through a RCCB device. These are an extremely effective form of shock protection & widely used for protection from a leakage current of 30, & 100 300mA. It is essential lifesaving equipment used to protect the human body from electrical and is mandatory in many states for domestic installation.

What is ELCB

ELCB stands for Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker. They have the same function as RCCB but are voltage sensor devise. However, this is an old technology & is not in common use. RCCB being a current sensitive device have a better advantage over ELCB as under:

Difference between RCCB and ELCB

RCCB ELCB

1. RCCB refers to stands for Residual Current Circuit Breaker. ELCB stands for Electric Leakage Circuit Breaker.

2. It is a new name and refers to current operated devices. ELCB refers to voltage operated earth leakage device.

3. It ensures 100% detection of leakage current& is available to sense the AC as well as DC leakage current. It is not preferable as it can only detect current that flow back through the main earth wire.

4. RCCB has no connection with the earth wire and that’s why it can trip when both currents (phase and neutral) are different and it withstands up to both the currents are same. ELCB is working based on Earth leakage current. These devices measured the voltage on the earth conductor; if this voltage was not zero this indicated a current leakage to earth.