How to Choose the Right RCCB Sensitivity

The right RCCB sensitivity depends on where it will be used and what level of protection is needed. In general, 30mA RCCBs protect people from electric shock, while 100mA or 300mA RCCBs are better for equipment and fire protection.

What is the purpose of RCCB application?

An RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) is designed to trip when it detects leakage current. Unlike MCBs that guard against overloads, RCCBs prevent electrocution and reduce fire risk. They are essential for both residential and industrial systems.

What is the difference between 30mA vs 100mA RCCB?

The key difference between 30mA vs 100mA RCCB is the balance between human safety and operational stability:

• 30mA RCCB is the maximum leakage current a human can withstand without serious harm. It is recommended for homes, offices, and areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
• 100mA RCCB is less sensitive, making it suitable for equipment-heavy circuits where background leakage currents are normal. It offers some human protection but is primarily aimed at fire and equipment safety.

If your RCCB keeps tripping unexpectedly, the cause may be a sensitivity mismatch. For more details, review common RCCB tripping issues.

When should you use a 30mA RCCB?

A 30mA unit should be used when the primary concern is direct human protection. It is ideal for:

• Residential socket outlets
• Kitchens, bathrooms, and swimming pools
• Portable equipment or construction sites

This sensitivity reacts quickly to small leakage currents that could otherwise cause dangerous shocks.

When should you use a 100mA or 300mA RCCB?

For industrial buyers, 100mA and 300mA are more practical:

• 100mA RCCB: Used where some leakage is expected, reducing nuisance tripping in circuits with multiple machines.
• 300mA RCCB: Mainly for fire protection and equipment safety. It is usually installed upstream to cover entire distribution systems.
  

RCCB Sensitivity Comparison Table

This comparison makes it easier to select the right sensitivity based on both safety and operational needs.

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What about special RCCB applications like 10mA units?

Certain environments require even higher sensitivity. A 10mA RCCB is used for very high-risk areas like swimming pool pumps, saunas, or medical equipment. It provides faster protection but can trip more frequently in normal conditions.

How does RCCB type affect sensitivity choice?

Alongside sensitivity, the type of RCCB determines which fault currents it can detect:

• Type AC: Detects basic AC leakage; used in standard setups.
• Type A: Detects AC and pulsating DC; suitable for modern electronics.
• Tipo B: Detects AC, pulsating DC, and smooth DC;  required for EV charging, solar, and industrial drives.

For available products across different sensitivities and types, see our RCCB category page.

How can industrial buyers avoid nuisance tripping?

To minimize nuisance tripping in large systems:

• Segment installations with multiple RCCBs.
• Use 30mA for circuits with direct contact risk.
• Use 100mA or 300mA upstream for equipment and fire protection.
• Select time-delayed RCCBs to ensure downstream devices trip first.

Following these strategies allows protection without unnecessary downtime.

Which RCCB sensitivity is right for you?

For homes, always use a 30mA RCCB to maximize human safety. For industrial settings, combine 30mA units on final circuits with 100mA or 300mA units for upstream protection. Selecting the right sensitivity ensures safety, compliance, and stable operation in every application.