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What is a 30 mA differential circuit breaker and what is it used for?

15 Sep 2025
What is a 30 mA differential circuit breaker and what is it used for?

The 30 mA differential circuit breaker is an essential electrical protection device in your electrical panel. This device combines differential protection and a magnetothermal function to secure your electrical installation. Its 30 milliamp threshold corresponds to the physiological limits of the human body. This sensitivity guarantees optimal protection against the risks of electrocution and electrical faults.

What is a differential circuit breaker?

A differential circuit breaker integrates two protection technologies into a single electrical module. It continuously monitors earth leakage currents between phase and neutral. This differential protection compares the incoming and outgoing current on each electrical circuit in the installation.

This differential circuit breaker instantly detects insulation faults that are dangerous to people. As soon as an anomaly occurs, the circuit breaker automatically cuts off the power supply to the affected circuit. This continuous monitoring protects against indirect electrical contact in your installation.

The magnetothermal function complements this protection by controlling overcurrents on the circuits. It protects your electrical appliances from overloads and short circuits in the electrical installation. This dual protection distinguishes the residual current circuit breaker from a simple residual current switch.

The differential circuit breaker reacts within milliseconds in the event of an electrical fault. Bipolar differential circuit breakers provide complete protection on the phase and neutral wires.

What is a 30 mA differential circuit breaker?

The 30 mA threshold corresponds to the maximum sensitivity authorised for domestic installations. This critical value ensures optimal protection of people against electrocution. Above this differential, the risk of respiratory paralysis increases considerably.

30 mA differential protection detects even the smallest electrical current leaks. A faulty device will be isolated before the situation becomes life-threatening. This high sensitivity provides effective protection against emerging insulation faults in circuits.

The types of residual current device vary depending on the electrical circuits to be protected. Type A differential protection is suitable for industrial electronic equipment generating direct current. Type AC is sufficient for standard lighting circuits and tertiary electrical outlets.

The four-pole differential block integrates the three phases and the neutral in a professional module. This design facilitates installation in your industrial or tertiary electrical panel. Differential circuit breakers offer various sensitivities depending on the needs of the professional installation.

When should a 30 mA differential circuit breaker be used?

The 30 mA differential circuit breaker secures terminal circuits in tertiary installations. IT and office equipment benefit from this specific differential protection. These sensitive electrical devices require constant monitoring for insulation faults.

LED lighting circuits in tertiary buildings often require this protection. Electronic ballasts generate specific currents that require a suitable differential circuit breaker. This protection prevents false tripping while ensuring personal safety.

Machine tools and industrial equipment justify this complete protection of electrical equipment. Compressors and electric motors benefit from the double protection offered by these devices. The differential circuit breaker simultaneously protects people and equipment in these professional circuits.

Technical rooms and workshops require this enhanced residual current protection for their equipment. Dusty or humid environments require increased monitoring for electrical faults. Four-pole residual current circuit breakers ensure maximum safety in these professional environments.

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