Lewden BRCBO-B20/30/1HP 20A B Curve 30mA Type B-HP Heat Pump RCBO 6kA

Enhanced Type B RCBO Protection for Heat Pump Installations

The Lewden BRCBO-B20/30/1HP is a specialist 20A B Curve Type B-HP RCBO developed for heat pump circuits requiring enhanced residual-current protection. Combining 30mA RCD protection with overload and short-circuit protection in a single device, it provides a compact solution for modern heat pump installations where the manufacturer's requirements call for this enhanced Type B characteristic.

Lewden's B-HP range is designed to accommodate the higher-frequency residual currents that can be associated with inverter-driven heat pump technology. The range is available in 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A and 40A ratings, with both B and C Curve versions, a 30mA residual-current rating and 6kA short-circuit breaking capacity.

Key Features

• Lewden B-HP Heat Pump RCBO
• Product code BRCBO-B20/30/1HP
• 20A rated current
• B Curve overcurrent characteristic
• Enhanced Type B / Type B-HP residual-current protection
• 30mA residual-current rating
• 6kA short-circuit breaking capacity
• Purpose-designed for heat pump applications
• Designed for higher-frequency residual currents
• Operational at frequencies of 20kHz and above
• Combines RCD and overcurrent protection
• Bi-directional operation
• 1 pole + switched neutral
• Compact single-module construction
• Only 18mm wide
• DIN rail mounting
• Suitable for compatible Lewden consumer units
• Certified to BS EN/IEC 61009-1
• Certified to BS EN/IEC 62423
• Operating temperature from -25°C to +40°C

Designed Specifically for Modern Heat Pumps

Modern heat pumps frequently use inverters and electronic power-conversion technology to control compressors and optimise efficiency. These electronic systems can generate residual-current characteristics that differ from those produced by conventional electrical loads.

Heat pump manufacturers may therefore specify Type F, Type B or enhanced Type B RCD protection, depending on the design of their equipment.

The Lewden B-HP range is specifically intended for heat pump applications requiring its enhanced Type B characteristics, providing installers with a dedicated protective device rather than relying on a general-purpose RCBO.

Enhanced Type B-HP Residual-Current Protection

The defining feature of the BRCBO-B20/30/1HP is its Type B-HP residual-current characteristic.

Lewden explains that some heat pump manufacturers require an enhanced Type B device capable of catering for frequencies up to 20kHz, with a minimum trigger point of 150mA above 1kHz. The B-HP RCBO is operational at frequencies of 20kHz and above.

This makes it particularly relevant where the connected heat pump manufacturer specifically requires enhanced high-frequency residual-current protection.

20A B Curve Overcurrent Protection

This particular model is rated at 20A and has a B Curve overcurrent characteristic.

It is important to distinguish the two "B" designations associated with this device: B Curve describes its overcurrent tripping characteristic, while Type B-HP describes its residual-current protection characteristics.

The 20A version should be selected only where this current rating and trip curve are appropriate for the heat pump, cable size, installation method and overall circuit design.

30mA Residual-Current Rating

The BRCBO-B20/30/1HP provides a 30mA rated residual operating current, combining this level of residual-current protection with its enhanced Type B-HP characteristics.

Lewden uses a 30mA residual-current rating across the B-HP range, including the 20A B Curve variant.

RCD & Overcurrent Protection Combined

As an RCBO, the BRCBO-B20/30/1HP combines three important protective functions within one device:

• Residual-current protection
• Overload protection
• Short-circuit protection

This is a significant practical difference compared with a Type B RCCB, which provides residual-current protection but requires suitable separate overcurrent protection.

Lewden specifically highlights that its B-HP RCBO does not require the additional MCB associated with a Type B RCCB arrangement.

Compact 18mm Single-Module Design

One of the key installation advantages of the Lewden B-HP range is its 1-module, 18mm width.

Where a Type B RCCB plus MCB arrangement can require around three consumer-unit modules, the BRCBO-B20/30/1HP provides residual-current and overcurrent protection within a single 18mm device.

This can be particularly valuable when adding a heat pump circuit to an existing installation where spare consumer-unit capacity is limited.

6kA Short-Circuit Breaking Capacity

The BRCBO-B20/30/1HP has a 6kA short-circuit breaking capacity.

Because this protection is integrated into the RCBO, a separate MCB is not required simply to provide the overcurrent protection that would otherwise be needed alongside an RCCB.

Bi-Directional Operation

Lewden specifies its B-HP RCBO range as bi-directional, providing additional flexibility for compatible electrical installations.

This functionality is incorporated alongside the device's residual-current, overload and short-circuit protection.

1 Pole + Switched Neutral

The BRCBO-B20/30/1HP has a 1 pole plus switched neutral configuration while retaining its compact single-module construction.

This provides switched-neutral functionality without requiring additional consumer-unit width, helping create a neat dedicated protective arrangement for a compatible heat pump circuit.

Compatible with Lewden Consumer Units

Lewden states that B-HP RCBOs can be fitted within a standard Lewden RCBO consumer unit.

They can also be installed as one of the High Integrity circuits within compatible Lewden Dual RCCB, Split Load and Dual Tariff consumer units.

This gives installers flexibility when incorporating a dedicated heat pump circuit into new or suitable existing Lewden distribution equipment.

Certified to Relevant Standards

Lewden specifies the B-HP Heat Pump RCBO range as certified to BS EN/IEC 61009-1 and BS EN/IEC 62423, with an operating temperature range of -25°C to +40°C.

BS EN/IEC 61009-1 relates to residual-current operated circuit breakers with integral overcurrent protection, while BS EN/IEC 62423 covers additional requirements associated with Type F and Type B residual-current devices.

• Brand: Lewden
• Range: B-HP Heat Pump RCBO
• Product Code: BRCBO-B20/30/1HP
• Product Type: Heat Pump RCBO
• RCD Classification: Enhanced Type B / Type B-HP
• Rated Current: 20A
• Trip Curve: B Curve
• Rated Residual Current: 30mA
• Short-Circuit Breaking Capacity: 6kA
• Pole Configuration: 1 Pole + Switched Neutral
• Bi-Directional: Yes
• Module Width: 1 Module
• Width: 18mm
• Residual-Current Protection: Yes
• Overload Protection: Yes
• Short-Circuit Protection: Yes
• High-Frequency Operation: 20kHz and Above
• Mounting: DIN Rail
• Operating Temperature: -25°C to +40°C
• Standards: BS EN/IEC 61009-1 & BS EN/IEC 62423
• Primary Application: Heat Pump Circuit Protection
• Consumer Unit Compatibility: Suitable Lewden RCBO Consumer Units & Compatible High Integrity Ways

Suitable Applications

• Air Source Heat Pumps
• Ground Source Heat Pumps
• Inverter-Driven Heat Pumps
• Domestic Heat Pump Systems
• Commercial Heat Pump Systems
• Dedicated 20A Heat Pump Circuits
• Low-Carbon Heating Systems
• Renewable Heating Installations
• Residential Electrical Installations
• Commercial Electrical Installations
• Lewden Consumer Units
• High Integrity Consumer Unit Circuits
• Heat Pumps Requiring Enhanced Type B Protection

Why Choose the Lewden BRCBO-B20/30/1HP?

The Lewden BRCBO-B20/30/1HP provides specialist protection for heat pump circuits where an enhanced Type B residual-current device is specified.

It combines 20A B Curve overcurrent protection, 30mA residual-current protection and a 6kA breaking capacity within one compact RCBO. Its specialist Type B-HP characteristic is designed to address the higher-frequency residual currents associated with certain heat pump systems.

The compact 18mm single-module design is another major advantage, allowing residual-current and overcurrent protection to be provided without the additional MCB and consumer-unit space associated with a Type B RCCB arrangement.

With bi-directional operation, 1 pole plus switched neutral configuration and compatibility with suitable Lewden consumer units, the BRCBO-B20/30/1HP is an excellent option where the specific heat pump manufacturer's instructions and electrical design call for its enhanced Type B-HP protection.