I came across this (old) thread trying to find a 'Class A' type RCBO for my EVSE (EV charge point) installation. I thought I would add to it for the benefit of anyone else researching the same issues.
Firstly, a Class A RCBO is required under the regs ... (from https://thephoenixworks.com/blog/2015/02/20/rcds-ev-chargers/) ...
"The 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations states that “Every charge point shall be individually protected by an RCD.” It then goes on to state “The RCD protecting the charging point shall be at least a Type A RCCB complying with BE EN 61008-1 or RCBO complying with BS EN 61009.”".
Next, a good explanation of the various types of RCBO (from http://www.electricalreview.co.uk/features/9258-picking-the-right-protection ... the same source explains MCBs and RCDs, too)...
"Now let’s look at RCCBs, which are also available in various different types that are designated by letters, just like MCBs. This is a potential source of confusion so it’s worth remembering that a Type B MCB, for example, is not related to a Type B RCCB!
The types of RCCB most likely to be encountered are Type AC, Type A, Type B, Type B+ and Type S. Type AC RCCBs are sensitive to ac currents and are suitable for most domestic and commercial applications. Type A RCCBs provide additional protection to Type AC in that they are sensitive to ac currents and pulsating dc currents. Type B RCCBs are sensitive to ac, pulsating ac and steady dc leakage currents. This type should always be used in photovoltaic (PV) solar energy installations where the inverter type could allow leakage of dc current.
Type B+ devices are similar to Type B, but respond to ac leakage currents over a wider frequency range, which is useful in some specialised applications. It’s worth noting that Type B and Type B+ devices can be used wherever a Type AC or Type A device is specified, as they provide the same functionality as these types and more.
Now let’s turn to RCBOs. In principle, as these are functionally an MCB and an RCCB in the same device, it would be possible to produce versions with a huge range of combinations of MCB and RCCB characteristics. In practice, manufacturers limit themselves to the most commonly used combinations, such as a Type B or C MCB characteristic with a Type A or AC RCCB characteristic. Where other combinations are needed, it often means that an RCBO can’t be used and that the necessary protection must be provided by using a separate MCB and RCCB. Some manufacturers, however, offer field-fittable residual current units that can be used to convert an MCB into an RCBO, and this makes possible a wider range of combinations."
As to actually buying them... well I'm still looking. I see CEF no longer do them for instance... MW
Firstly, a Class A RCBO is required under the regs ... (from https://thephoenixworks.com/blog/2015/02/20/rcds-ev-chargers/) ...
"The 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations states that “Every charge point shall be individually protected by an RCD.” It then goes on to state “The RCD protecting the charging point shall be at least a Type A RCCB complying with BE EN 61008-1 or RCBO complying with BS EN 61009.”".
Next, a good explanation of the various types of RCBO (from http://www.electricalreview.co.uk/features/9258-picking-the-right-protection ... the same source explains MCBs and RCDs, too)...
"Now let’s look at RCCBs, which are also available in various different types that are designated by letters, just like MCBs. This is a potential source of confusion so it’s worth remembering that a Type B MCB, for example, is not related to a Type B RCCB!
The types of RCCB most likely to be encountered are Type AC, Type A, Type B, Type B+ and Type S. Type AC RCCBs are sensitive to ac currents and are suitable for most domestic and commercial applications. Type A RCCBs provide additional protection to Type AC in that they are sensitive to ac currents and pulsating dc currents. Type B RCCBs are sensitive to ac, pulsating ac and steady dc leakage currents. This type should always be used in photovoltaic (PV) solar energy installations where the inverter type could allow leakage of dc current.
Type B+ devices are similar to Type B, but respond to ac leakage currents over a wider frequency range, which is useful in some specialised applications. It’s worth noting that Type B and Type B+ devices can be used wherever a Type AC or Type A device is specified, as they provide the same functionality as these types and more.
Now let’s turn to RCBOs. In principle, as these are functionally an MCB and an RCCB in the same device, it would be possible to produce versions with a huge range of combinations of MCB and RCCB characteristics. In practice, manufacturers limit themselves to the most commonly used combinations, such as a Type B or C MCB characteristic with a Type A or AC RCCB characteristic. Where other combinations are needed, it often means that an RCBO can’t be used and that the necessary protection must be provided by using a separate MCB and RCCB. Some manufacturers, however, offer field-fittable residual current units that can be used to convert an MCB into an RCBO, and this makes possible a wider range of combinations."
As to actually buying them... well I'm still looking. I see CEF no longer do them for instance... MW
