[Question] Earth Leakage Confusion

[ursi]

I have recently heard many conflicting opinions which electrical circuits MUST, MAY and MAY NOT be routed through an Earth Leakage (RCB).

Can someone please give me a definitive must/may/may not answer for each of the following:

• Lights (ceiling mounted)
• Lights (perimeter wall)
• Normal 3-point plugs (non-dedicated)
• Geyser
• Stove
• Pool Pump
• UPS
• Garage door opener
• Gate motor

If all of the above is must/may, is it allowable to use a earth leakage with overcurrent protection (RCCB) as a Main Switch?

Thanks

[bergie]

lights : may
plugs non ded. : must
geyser : may
stove : may
pool pump : must
ups : may
garage door opener plug: must
gate motor: may (if not plugged in)
you may use an earth leakage with over current as a main switch

[AndyD]

You may use an earth leakage with overload is a main breaker or you can use a 30mA earth leakage without overload and a separate MCB but it's worth discussing the inconvenience factor with the home owner first. I generally avoid this setup if possible, I install a 100mA earth leakage as a main breaker and use 30mA 2-pole RCBO's for socket circuits which gives discrimination and a lot less headaches. A lot of it also depends on the type of premises and the budget available.