Heat Pump RCBO – Type B Alternative for Air Source Heat Pumps
As heat pumps become central to low-carbon homes across the United Kingdom, electrical protection must evolve to match the technology. We are proud to introduce our new Heat Pump RCBO and RCD range, purpose designed protective devices engineered specifically for inverter-driven air source and ground source heat pumps.
Why standard RCBOs may not be suitable
Modern heat pumps use high-frequency inverter drives to control compressor speed. These electronics can generate:
- Smooth DC residual currents
- High-frequency leakage currents
- Mixed frequency fault signatures
Traditional Type A RCBOs, commonly installed in domestic consumer units, are not designed to reliably detect smooth DC residual currents. Under certain conditions, DC components can also desensitise standard RCD elements.
With the rapid growth of renewables and electrified heating, installers must ensure compliance with BS 7671, which requires correct device selection where DC residual currents may be present.
Engineered for heat pump applications our Heat Pump RCBOs (16A–32A) and RCDs (100A) are specifically developed to manage the electrical characteristics of inverter-driven equipment:
- Detect smooth DC residual currents
- Operate at frequencies up to 20kHz
- Handle high-frequency leakage without nuisance tripping
- 30mA sensitivity for additional protection
- Minimum 150mA trip threshold for signals exceeding 1kHz
- 100A RCD option as standard
- B and C curve RCBO options
- Bidirectional across the range
These devices provide a practical, compliant alternative where enhanced residual current detection is required for heat pump circuits.
As specialists in renewable protection, including the early adoption of Type B RCBOs and bidirectional devices, this latest innovation supports safe, reliable heat pump installations in line with current UK Regulations.
The full Heat Pump RCBO and RCD range is available now. Explore the next generation of heat pump circuit protection designed specifically for the demands of modern electrified heating.
