An Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB), commonly known as a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in some regions, is primarily designed to protect against electric shock caused by ground faults, such as leakage currents to ground. Unlike standard circuit breakers that primarily protect against overcurrent conditions (overloads and short circuits), ELCBs are sensitive to small leakage currents that could indicate a fault, such as current flowing through a person or unintended grounding path.
Typically, ELCBs are not designed to trip solely on overload conditions. Overload protection is generally provided by circuit breakers designed specifically for that purpose, such as thermal-magnetic circuit breakers. These devices respond to excessive current flow due to overload situations in the circuit, heating up and tripping to interrupt the current flow and prevent damage to wiring and equipment.
ELCBs are not intended to provide overload protection in the same way as standard circuit breakers. Their primary function is to detect leakage currents that indicate a ground fault. When a fault occurs, such as current leakage through a person touching an energized part, the ELCB senses the imbalance between the line and neutral currents and trips to disconnect the circuit, thereby preventing electric shock.
A standard circuit breaker will trip if the current flowing through it exceeds its rated capacity for an extended period, indicating an overload condition. This protection mechanism prevents overheating of wires and components that could lead to fires or damage. Overloads can occur due to excessive use of electrical appliances or faults within the electrical system.
The Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) may trip repeatedly due to several reasons. One common cause is the presence of leakage currents to ground, which can occur due to insulation breakdown, faulty appliances, or improper electrical installations. These leakage currents cause an imbalance between the live and neutral conductors, triggering the ELCB to disconnect the circuit to prevent electric shock hazards. It’s crucial to investigate the underlying cause of frequent tripping, such as inspecting appliances, checking wiring integrity, and ensuring proper grounding, to address the issue and maintain electrical safety in the premises.