This question was asked inGPSC AE (Electrical) Class-2 R&B Department Paper 2025 – Series MQuestion 165 of 179 published · Gujarat Public Service CommissionOpen paper
Q286EasyProtective Devices (MCB, RCCB, ELCB)

What is the primary function of an RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) in an electrical system?

Answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: D. To protect humans from electric shock due to earth faults
Quick explanation

An RCCB protects people against dangerous earth-leakage/residual current by comparing the currents in live and neutral conductors. If the imbalance exceeds its trip threshold, it disconnects the circuit rapidly.

I_Δ = |IL − IN| If I_Δ ≥ trip threshold → RCCB trips

Concept & Reasoning

In normal operation the vector sum of currents through the RCCB's sensing core is approximately zero. An earth fault or shock path diverts some current outside the neutral return, producing residual current that triggers the device. An RCCB by itself does not provide overload/short-circuit protection; it is commonly coordinated with an MCB/fuse or replaced by an RCBO when both functions are needed.

How to Solve It in the Exam

RCCB → residual/earth-leakage shock protection.

Important Exam Point

Remember RCCB ≠ MCB. MCB protects overcurrent; RCCB detects imbalance.

Quick Trick

RCCB → residual/earth-leakage shock protection.

Common Mistake

Selecting short-circuit protection as the primary RCCB function.

Solution diagram – What is the primary function of an RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) in…
Exam tipRemember RCCB ≠ MCB. MCB protects overcurrent; RCCB detects imbalance.
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