Residual current protectors (type A and B) for charging stations – which ones to choose?
Go to list of parkingsWhat type of residual current protection (type A and B) for charging stations should you choose? RCD B, RCM B or maybe RCD A?
It is indisputable that electrical installations must be adequately protected. When dealing with higher wattages, no risks can be taken. In the case of public charging stations for electric vehicles, there is a requirement for chargers to be retrofitted with type B residual current device (RCD) protection. However, we recommend protecting every station – including those for private use!
We can find different types of security devices on the market. The most important thing is that they fulfil their function and are suitable (in terms of power) for car charging stations. Depending on the manufacturer of the fuses, it is advisable to check the correct functioning even once a month.
In our opinion, every charging station should be secure. Safety is not worth saving on.
Using Enelion’s Share.P AC charging station as an example, we outline the main types of protection for freestanding pole chargers and wallboxes up to 22kW per charging point (socket).
RCD A – alternating current protection
This is alternative current leakage protection, type B protection in an incomplete version.
By itself, it is one of the two parts of a complete Type B fuse. This is the cheapest (incomplete) fuse recommended for Enelion charging stations with Share.P. Can be mounted inside or outside the station.
RCD A is a full complement of protection in the Lumina charging station. In other cases, it is an unfavourable and incomplete choice.
RCM B – residual current monitor
This is a direct current leakage protection, type B protection in an incomplete version.
Complementary part for full type B protection together with RCD A. This is the (incomplete) fuse recommended for Enelion charging stations with Share.P. Can be mounted inside or outside the station.
RCM B fully complements the protection of RCD A.
Some charging stations (e.g. Lumina) are already equipped with RCM B. Then it is sufficient to buy RCD A. In other cases, RCM B by itself is an unfavourable and incomplete choice.
RCD B – residual current protection type A+B against DC and AC leakage
It is a full Type B residual current protection against both direct and alternating current leakage.
Comes as one complete fuse. Recommended for all kinds of electric car charging stations. Can be mounted inside (Enelion stations with Share.P) or outside the station in the switchboard.
The RCD B provides full Type B protection and meets requirements for public charging stations.
Great for use in combination with, among other things:
- Wallbox
- STILO
RCD B is sufficient to completely protect the station.
RCD A + RCM B – residual current protection type B, against AC and DC leakage
This is a full RCD A (against AC leakage) and RCM B (DC leakage monitor) residual current protection, meeting the characteristics of type B.
A set of two fuses. Provides a cheaper replacement for the RCD B, performing the same functions. Recommended for all kinds of electric car charging stations. Can be mounted inside (Enelion stations with Share.P) and outside the charging station in the switchboard.
RCD A + RCM B provides full Type B protection and meets the acceptance requirements of the public charging stations.
It is ideal in combination with, among other things:
- Wallbox Duo Power
- VERTICA
The RCD A and RCM B set is the most commonly used protection in Enelion charging stations.
RCD A and RCM B are sufficient to completely protect the station.
Please note that 1 fuse per 1 charging point (socket). A double charging station must be equipped with 2 independent fuses (or a double set).
The best choice is:
RCD A and RCM B set for the Enelion charging station. The exception is the Lumina station and the RCD A fuse.
