RCBO energy consumption

[John-SJW]

RCBOs consume between 1.5 and 2.5 watts for each pole - according to Wylex. Have a CU with largish bank of DP RCBOs then the annual cost of just having RCBOs is substantial. It is not just a few quid a year in electricity costs to have them. My question is:

Do RCBOs still consume electricity when switched off?

 

[John-SJW]

I was intrigued and a quick search found an existing discussion on this
rcbo-energy-consumption-losses

Thx. Found that via Google. So far it does not answer my Q. Interesting though.

 

[John-SJW]

I'm also curious how any losses might compare to other, older means of circuit protection.

I have the impression a split RCD CU would consume less.

 

[Eddy Currents]

What was the conclusion?

Im not sure why the link wasnt posted so here it is again

https://engx.------.org/f/wiring-and-regulations/23241/rcbo-energy-consumption-losses

 

[nicebutdim]

I have the impression a split RCD CU would consume less.

It may do, but any savings could be wiped out several times over thorough nuance tripping taking out a fridge or freezer.

 

[John-SJW]

It may do, but any savings could be wiped out several times over thorough nuance tripping taking out a fridge or freezer.

Of course that has to be taken into account.

 

[nicebutdim]

Of cure that has to be taken into account.

As does the requirement that we seek to avoid nuisance tripping. I don't think that any losses from RCBOs would be sufficient reason for increasing the likelihood of this.

 

[Aaron b]

I'm also curious how any losses might compare to other, older means of circuit protection.

This is the important question really isn't it. The losses are based on running at the rated current so it's not ever likely to be anywhere near.

The two screenshots are the datasheets of mcbs and rcbos.

 

[nicebutdim]

This is the important question really isn't it. The losses are based on running at the rated current so it's not ever likely to be anywhere near.

What manufacturer are these figures from? Some quite significant losses quoted for certain of those RCBO's

 

[Aaron b]

What manufacturer are these figures from? Some quite significant losses quoted for certain of those RCBO's

They are Hager, I just googled it and picked the first thing that came up.

 

[brianmoooore]

What's the 'consumption' of a rewireable fuse? They must be resistive to work, and the 'consumption' must be enough to melt copper when the current through it is high enough.

 

[mainline]

How about usb sockets, appliances on standby etc etc.

There's going to be losses live with it or turn it off

 

[John-SJW]

What manufacturer are these figures from? Some quite significant losses quoted for certain of those RCBO's

The most on the RCBOs, was 9.3 watts. The 20A model. Quite significant.

 

[nicebutdim]

What's the 'consumption' of a rewireable fuse? They must be resistive to work, and the 'consumption' must be enough to melt copper when the current through it is high enough.

That was my reasoning behind post #15.

 

[nicebutdim]

The most on the RCBOs, was 9.3 watts. The 20A model. Quite significant.

Figures were quoted for several types of RCBO in that data sheet.

I'm overseas at present, with poor internet access, but it would be worth checking which are most likely to be fitted in domestic premises.

 

[mainline]

That was my reasoning behind post #15.

To lessen the concern of loss, maybe cable makers should look into using silver instead of copper ?

Wonder what a 50mtr drum of 4 mm t&e would be and how long it would take to pay for itself.