Milliampere (mA) Leakage Settings in SaftySwitch RCBOs — Explained
SaftySwitch
RCBOs trip when they detect earth-leakage current higher than their rated mA threshold.
Different mA levels are used for different levels of protection.
1) 5 mA RCBO SAFTYSWITCH – Ultra-Sensitive Protection
Where used:
- Medical equipment
- Labs and testing benches
- Sensitive electronic devices
- Special-purpose sockets
Protection level:
- Extremely high personal protection
- Trips very fast even at tiny leakage
- Prevents micro-shocks near medical or wet areas
Notes:
- Too sensitive for general wiring
- False tripping possible on long cables or inductive loads
2) 10 mA RCBO SAFTYSWITCH – High Personal Protection
Where used:
- Hospitals
- Kitchens, wet areas
- Children’s areas
- Portable tools and equipment
Protection level:
- Very high sensitivity for human body safety
- Suitable where risk of electric shock is higher
Notes:
- More sensitive than 30 mA
- Not used for entire homes
3) 30 mA RCBO SAFTYSWITCH – Standard Human Safety (Most Common)
Where used:
- Homes
- Offices
- Shops
- Lighting circuits
- Socket circuits
- Small machinery
Protection level:
- Industry standard for shock protection
- Balance between safety and practicality
Notes:
- Most common SaftySwitch RCBO rating
- Required by many electrical standards for general circuits
4) 50 mA RCBO SAFTYSWITCH – Medium Leakage Protection
Where used:
- Industrial machines
- IT equipment
- Circuits with moderate leakage (VFDs, SMPS, motors)
Protection level:
- Prevents fire due to insulation failure
- Gives some shock protection, but not as strong as 30 mA
Notes:
- Used where 30 mA nuisance tripping is common
- Rarely used in residential systems
5) 100 mA RCBO SAFTYSWITCH – Fire Protection
Where used:
- Industrial distribution boards
- Large machines
- Sub-main feeders
- Panels with high leakage devices (VFDs, UPS, SMPS)
Protection level:
- Mainly fire protection, not personal protection
- Trips when leakage becomes dangerously high
Notes:
- Not suitable for human shock protection
- Reduces nuisance tripping on large loads
Quick Comparison Table
| Leakage Setting | Sensitivity | Human Protection | Fire Protection | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mA | Ultra high | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | Medical, labs |
| 10 mA | Very high | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | Wet areas, tools |
| 30 mA | High | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Homes, offices |
| 50 mA | Medium | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Industrial circuits |
| 100 mA | Low | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Industrial feeders |
⚙ Why Different mA Ratings Exist?
Because different applications need different protections:
- Lower mA = better human shock protection
- Higher mA = better for large or industrial equipment (less nuisance tripping)