ABB has released its new residual current protection technology, the Type F RCBO, which satisfies the more stringent requirements of Australian wiring standards.

The new Standards have been reviewed to acknowledge the increased use in electronics, as well as renewable energy and emerging technologies, where there’s a greater impact from high frequency and DC waveforms on the AC supply.

In AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations “Wiring Rules” clause 2.6.3.2.2, states that all final sub-circuits in domestic and residential electrical installations are required to be protected by 30mA RCDs. As a result, many air conditioning manufacturers with inverter drives are recommending the use of Type F RCDs (residual current device) for the upstream protection of this equipment.

ABB’s new RCD range comes with Type AC for basic linear loads with alternating current earth faults. The offer includes type A for loads with electronic rectifiers or phase control generating alternating current and pulsating DC earth faults, Type F for single phase frequency inverters generating multi-frequency currents and Type B for three phase inverters generating multifrequency and smooth DC earth faults.

A single-phase air-conditioner frequency converter, commonly referred to as an inverter, is an often-used electronic drive which regulates the speed of an electric motor, operating on supply voltage and frequency. An incorrectly selected RCD can lead to nuisance tripping, poor performance and poor protection.

With the introduction of Type F to the ABB RCD range, ABB can now offer the ultimate in reliability, safety and performance for the demanding load of frequency converters.

Type F RCDs have been specifically designed for single phase inverter applications to ensure superior protection in case of an earth with increased resistance to nuisance tripping. The ABB DS201 Type F is the perfect RCBO (MCB+RCD) to provide this protection.

“ABB’s new Type F RCDs clearly respond now to changing legislation and customer needs for reliable and accurate protection of circuits supplying single phase inverters with a proven solution,” ABB market development manager, energy distribution, electrification business Ian Richardson says.

“The DS201 Type F RCBO provides an ideal solution for sub-circuit protection of air conditioners in domestic and residential applications. The DS201 Type F is economic in both cost and space to provide the compliance required for AS/NZS 3000:2018.”

For severe loads, the ABB Type B RCD provides the best protection with increased frequency range and the capability to detect smooth DC earth faults.