ELCB
RCCB
SAFETY DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL PROTECTION
Prepared By:
Deepak Chhoker
INTRODUCTION
Electricity is essential in modern life but poses
hazards like electric shocks, fires and equipment
damage.
Proactive devices like ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit
Breaker) and RCCB (Residual Current Circuit
Breaker) are used to prevent electrical accidents.
Understanding their differences ensures the right
device is used in the correct application.
WHAT IS AN
ELCB RCCB
Definition: An earth Definition: A Residual
Leakage Circuit Breaker Current Circuit Breaker is
is a safety device that a safety device that
cuts off power when it detects leakage current
detects leakage voltage and cuts off power to
to earth. prevent electric shock
Working Principle: Working Principle:
Monitors potential Monitors current in the
difference (voltage) live and neutral wires.
between the equipment
body and the earth. If an imbalance occurs
(current leakage to
Trips the circuit when earth), the RCCB trips.
excessive leakage
voltage is detected, It protects people from
preventing electric shock. electrocution
Purpose: Prevents fire Purpose: Prevents
hazards and electric shock and fires
electrocution due to due to current leakage .
insulation failure .
TYPES OF ELCB
1. Voltage ELCB (vELCB)
Senses voltage leakage on the equipment body.
Works only when an earthing system is present.
Less effective because it doesn’t detect current
leakages directly.
[Link] ELCB (cELCB)
(Now known as RCCB
Operates on current imbalance detection.
More accurate in detecting leakage current than
vELCB.
Used in modern electrical systems.
Note: Voltage ELCBs are outdated and been largely
replaces by RCCbs.
WORKING PRINCIPLES-
ELCB vs RCCB
1. ELCB (Voltage-Based) Working Mechanism:
Earth wire is connected to the ELCB.
If leakage occurs, voltage rises on the metal body of
the equipment.
Once voltage reaches a dangerous level,
ELCB trips the circuit.
1. RCCB (Current-Based) Working Mechanism:
Measures current flowing in live and
neutral wires.
In normal conditions, current in both wires
is equal.
If leakage current flows through the body (e.g.,
person gets shocked), there is an imbalance.
RCCB detects the difference and trips the circuit
immediately.
RCCB is more reliable than voltage ELCB because it
does not depend on the earthing system.
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
ELCB & RCCB
Feature ELCB(Voltage-Based) RCCB (Current Based)
Working Detects leakage voltage on the Detects leakage current
Principle equipment body between live & neutral
Detection Voltage difference between
Current imbalance in circuit
Mechanisn earth and equipment
Protects earth faults (fires, equipment Electric shocks and leakage
Against damage) currents
Requires
Yes No
Earthing
Sensitivity Less Seensitive Highlt sensitive
detects
Overload & No No ( MCB Needed)
Short Circuit?
Applications Older electrical systems Moder electrical safety systems
RCCB provides better protection against
electrocution and is used in most new installations.
PROS AND CONS
ELCB RCCB
Advantages: Advantages:
Provides basic earth fault High sensitivity to even
protection. small leakage currents.
Can prevent electrical Protects against
fires caused by leakage. electrical shocks to
humans.
Used in older
installations where Works even if the earth
RCCBs were not wire is missing or faulty.
available.
Disadvantages: Disadvantages:
Cannot detect leakage Does not detect
current directly. overloads or short
circuits (MCB required)
Less sensitive to small
leakage. More expensive than
traditional ELCBs.
Does not work if the
earth wire is not broken.
APPLICATIONS OF ELCB & RCCB
Where ELCBs Are Used:
Older buildings with basic earthing protection.
Industrial setups where voltage fluctuations may
cause hazards.
Locations with limited availability of
RCCBs.
Where RCCbs Are Used
Modern homes and commercial
buildings(preferred safety standards.
Hospitals and sensitive electrical installations (to
protect people from electrocution).
Construction sites(reduce the risk of electrical
shock).
RCCB vs ELCB- WHICH ONE TO
CHOOSE?
Fore new installations: Use RCCB (Better
safety, does not depend on earth wire).
Fore old systems: Use ELCB if upgrading
is not possible.
For complete protection: Use RCCB with
an MCB (MCB protect against short
circuit and overloads, while RCCB
protects against leakage).
Safety Tip: Regular testing of RCCBs is
necessary to ensure functionality.
CONCLUSION & BEST PRACTICES
Key Takeaways:
ELCBs were widely used in the past but have been
replaced by RCCBs in modern electrical safety
standards.
RCCB is more effective as it detects leakage current
directly.
RCCB does not protect against short circuits or
overloads_ always pair it with MCB.
Fore better safety, use RCCBs in all new electrical
installations.
Best Practices:
Always use correct rated RCCBs for specific
loads(30mA for personal protection, 100mA/300mA
for fire protection).
Perform monthly testing of RCCBs to ensure they
function properly.
Use a combination of MCB+RCCB for complete
electrical protection.
THANK
YOU
