Basis of

ELCB RCCB
Difference

Full Form ELCB stands for Earth Leakage RCCB stands for Residual Current Circuit
Circuit Breaker. Breaker.

Definition A safety device that is used in the
electrical installation with high
earth impedance to prevent the
electric shock is called earth
leakage circuit breaker (ELCB).
A safety device used in electrical installation
that trips the circuit against the electrical
leakage currents to ensure the protection
from electric shocks due to indirect contacts
is called residual current circuit breaker
(RCCB).

Type of ELCB is a voltage operated RCCB is a current operated device.

device device.

Connection ELCB is connected to phase, RCCB is connected to phase and neutral

neutral and earth wires. wires only.

Fault ELCB detects only those RCCB can detect any kind earth faults.
detection electrical faults in which the earth
leakage current flows through the
main earth wire.

Working The working principle of an ELCB The working of an RCCB is based on the
principle is based on the earth leakage principle of core balancing current
current flowing through the main transformer (CBCT).
earth wire.

Monitoring of ELCB monitors the earthing RCCB does not monitor the earthing status
earthing status of the system. It ensures of the electrical system.
status that the system is perfectly
connected to the earth.

Need of earth ELCB requires an earth In case of RCCB, there is no need of an

connection connection to function. earth connection to function.

Nuisance The nuisance tripping is the beak The nuisance tripping in an RCCB is high.
tripping in the power supply without the
situation being really hazardous.
In ELCB, the nuisance tripping is
less.

Cost The cost of ELCB is more. RCCB is comparatively less expensive.

Applications ELCB is an old safety device RCCB is a new technology used in almost all
used in electrical installations wiring systems to provide protection against
to,protect from electric shocks. earth leakage currents.

Conclusion
Both ELCB and RCCB are used for the same purpose, i.e. to provide protection against electric shocks.
But, their operating principle and wiring connections in the system are different. ELCB is connected to
phase, neutral and earth wires, while RCCB is connected to phase and neutral wires only.