RCBO energy consumption | on ElectriciansForums

Discuss RCBO energy consumption in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Jun 1, 2020
Messages
624
Reaction score
115
Location
London
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?
 
Last edited:
Wylex specs says full load losses are 1.5 to 2.6 watts per pole. DP is twice the load of SP. You must have noticed RCBOs are warm all the time, even when there is no load running through them. This also makes the insides of a metal CU case warmer. I assume the 1.5 watts is no load energy consumption,
 
Last edited:
Mostly that is the thermal trip and/or contact resistance so depends I^2 I suspect and so a tiny fraction of the load causing it.

Don't have a spare to measure the actual off-load draw.
 
Just fondled the front of my own RCBO board (also Wylex) and they are barely warmer to the touch than the main switch of SPD.
 
Mine are Wylex a being warm to the touch. Not hot, just warm. Warmer than the surrounding ambient. You need to take the front panel off to touch them. That they consume energy is not in dispute. They do. It is whether they still comnsume energy when they are switched off it what I want to know.
 
Mine are Wylex a being warm to the touch. Not hot, just warm. Warmer than the surrounding ambient. You need to take the front panel off to touch them. That they consume energy is not in dispute. They do. It is whether they still comnsume energy when they are switched off it what I want to know.
Not while trying to watch the TV!
 
Maybe they do give rise to small losses, but I think 'substantial' would be rather overstating the annual cost involved, regardless of how many ways a board might contain.
 
On a wider note, MODEMs, TVs, Sound Bars, neon lights, Oven LED clocks, etc, combined with DP RCBO losses are substantial over a year.

With say 15 DP RCBOs averaging 4W over a year, that is the equiv of having 15 LED 4W lamps on 24/7/365.
As I said: do they consume zero when manually switched off?
 
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?
Over what period of time? per hour it adds up quite significantly over a year but if it is per year it is relatively nothing in terms of overall electric use
 
On a wider note, MODEMs, TVs, Sound Bars, neon lights, Oven LED clocks, etc, combined with DP RCBO losses are substantial over a year.

With say 15 DP RCBOs averaging 4W over a year, that is the equiv of having 15 LED 4W lamps on 24/7/365.
As I said: do they consume zero when manually switched off?
I'm in the habit of switching everything off that isn't being used, but can't imagine switching off breakers for this reason.

Your question is quite reasonable, but I can't imagine that an empirical answer would be likely to change my behaviour.
 
Your question is quite reasonable, but I can't imagine that an empirical answer would be likely to change my behaviour.
I want to know how they work.
Going further, for e,g., if someone is going on a month or twos hols, turning off the not used RCBOs, leaving only the alarm and fridge circuits, may make a difference.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Reply to RCBO energy consumption in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

Similar threads

  • Question
Thank you, that's a really helpful post, nice & clearly stated and helps me clear up a lot of confusion on this matter.
2 3 4 5
Replies
65
Views
6K
I've seen a few posts here which tend to suggest that wiring in a motorhome (or caravan) wouldn't be subject to normal inspection rules, but even...
Replies
0
Views
314

Recommended Sponsor News

Quickwire Now Sponsor ElectriciansForums.net

I am sure you will join me in welcoming our newest sponsors of ElectriciansForums.net - Quickwire! They have decided to join us after seeing you guys discussing their products here. Now we have an expert on board that you can chat to @Quickwire-Sam who will be happy to answer your queries!

[ElectriciansForums.net] Quickwire Now Sponsor ElectriciansForums.net


@Quickwire-Sam said "At Quickwire, we're all about speed, safety, and reliability. We're a family-run business, and every Quickwire connector is proudly made right here in the UK, ensuring noticeable quality. In short, Quickwire is the fastest connection method on the market. Whether you're an experienced electrician or a DIY enthusiast, Quickwire makes electrical connections ridiculously quick and easy. We're passionate about blending British craftsmanship with innovation. If you have any questions or if there's any way we can help, please just ask me!"

Exclusive Forum Offer! Free euro 2024 wall chart for first 10 responses!

Hi everyone,

We have 10 exclusive Uheat EURO 2024 Wallcharts to giveaway for Electricians Forum Members! The first 10 people to reply YES to this thread - I will message and get them sent out to you just in time for this years tournament! GO GO GO

PCBWay Now Sponsor ElectriciansForums.net!!

I hope you will all join me in welcoming our newest sponsor to the forum PCBWay! You can contact their friendly people by sending a message to @PCBWay who will be happy to answer your queries.

Welcome to the community and thanks for your sponsorship!

[ElectriciansForums.net] PCBWay Now Sponsor ElectriciansForums.net!!

PCBWay provides services including PCB Prototype and batch Production, PCB Assembly (SMT), 3D Printing, CNC Machining, PCB Design, Electronics Modules Selling, etc. We are committed to meeting the needs of global makers from different industries in terms of quality, delivery, cost-effectiveness, and any other demanding requests in electronics.

[ElectriciansForums.net] PCBWay Now Sponsor ElectriciansForums.net!!

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

YOUR Unread Posts

This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by untold.media Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Back
Top