RCD· RCD Types· Reviewed June 2026

What is the difference between an RCD and an RCBO?

Quick answer

An RCD protects multiple circuits together. An RCBO combines RCD and circuit breaker protection in one device for a single circuit.

🏠Homeowner view

An RCD (Residual Current Device) is the big switch in your consumer unit that protects a group of circuits — when one circuit faults, the RCD trips and cuts power to all circuits it protects. An RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection) does the same job but for a single circuit only. If that circuit faults, only that one trips. RCBOs are better because a fault on one circuit does not affect the rest of your home. Modern consumer units increasingly use RCBOs for every circuit.

Need more detail? Choose a view: