B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit
The WCED WME06 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit is a 6-module distribution board developed for modern heat pump installations requiring specialist residual-current protection. This B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit combines Type 2 surge protection, two fixed 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs and one selectable high-performance Type B-HP RCBO, providing dedicated protection for the heat pump and associated electrical circuits.
Designed for inverter-driven heating technology, the WME06 allows installers to choose the dedicated heat pump RCBO in 16A, 25A, 32A or 40A ratings, with either B Curve or C Curve overcurrent characteristics. The two additional 16A Type A RCBOs remain fixed across every variation.
What’s Included in the B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit?
- 1 x WCED WME06 6-module consumer unit enclosure
- 1 x Type 2 surge protection device (SPD)
- 2 x 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs for associated electrical circuits
- 1 x selectable Type B-HP Heat Pump RCBO, 16A to 40A, B or C Curve
- 1 x main switch isolator
Two Fixed 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs for Auxiliary Circuits
The B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit includes two additional 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs, allowing installers to protect separate auxiliary circuits alongside the dedicated heat pump supply. These may include an immersion heater or other associated equipment, provided the connected loads and circuit design are suitable.
Both auxiliary RCBOs have a fixed 16A rating, B Curve overcurrent characteristic and Type A residual-current detection. These specifications remain unchanged regardless of the selected Type B-HP heat pump RCBO.
Selectable Type B-HP RCBO for Heat Pump Protection
The dedicated heat pump circuit within the WCED WME06 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit uses a specialist Type B-HP RCBO engineered for inverter-driven heat pump systems. It provides smooth DC residual-current detection and high-frequency performance for installations where conventional residual-current protection may be unsuitable.
The WCED Type B-HP RCBO features 30mA residual-current sensitivity, 10kA breaking capacity, bi-directional operation and an 18mm single-module design.
Available Heat Pump RCBO Ratings and Trip Curves
Configure your B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit by selecting the appropriate rating and overcurrent characteristic for the heat pump circuit:
- 16A B Curve – WME06/HP16B
- 16A C Curve – WME06/HP16C
- 25A B Curve – WME06/HP25B
- 25A C Curve – WME06/HP25C
- 32A B Curve – WME06/HP32B
- 32A C Curve – WME06/HP32C
- 40A B Curve – WME06/HP40B
- 40A C Curve – WME06/HP40C
The B Curve or C Curve selection determines the RCBO’s overcurrent tripping characteristic, while Type B-HP describes its specialist residual-current protection technology. The appropriate configuration must be selected according to the heat pump manufacturer’s instructions and the electrical installation design.
High-Frequency Protection for Inverter-Driven Heat Pumps
Modern heat pumps commonly use variable-speed inverter compressors, which can produce smooth DC residual currents and high-frequency leakage currents. The B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit incorporates specialist protection developed to address these operating conditions.
According to WCED, the Type B-HP RCBO offers the following characteristics:
- Detection of smooth DC residual fault currents
- Operation at frequencies up to 20kHz, with performance tested above 20kHz
- Minimum 150mA tripping threshold for frequencies above 1kHz, as specified by the manufacturer
- 30mA rated residual-current sensitivity
- 10kA rated breaking capacity
- Bi-directional operation
- 1P+N configuration with switched live and neutral
- Compliance with BS EN 62423 and BS EN 61009-1
These high-frequency characteristics help reduce unwanted tripping associated with normal inverter operation while maintaining the residual-current protection specified for the device.
Integrated Type 2 Surge Protection
The WCED WME06 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit includes a Type 2 SPD designed to protect connected equipment against transient overvoltages caused by switching events and other electrical disturbances.
By combining surge protection, dedicated heat pump protection and two auxiliary circuit RCBOs within one enclosure, the WME06 provides a convenient distribution solution for modern heating installations.
Key Features of the B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit
- WCED Whitecliffe 6-module heat pump consumer unit
- Dedicated selectable Type B-HP heat pump RCBO
- 16A, 25A, 32A or 40A heat pump RCBO options
- B Curve or C Curve overcurrent characteristic
- Two fixed 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs for auxiliary circuits
- Integrated Type 2 surge protection device
- Main switch isolator included
- 30mA sensitivity and 10kA breaking capacity for the Type B-HP RCBO
- Designed for suitably specified inverter-driven heat pump installations
Technical Specifications
- Brand: WCED Whitecliffe Electrical
- Range: WME06/HP
- Product type: B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit
- Enclosure capacity: 6 modules
- Surge protection: Type 2 SPD
- Auxiliary circuit protection: 2 x 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs
- Dedicated heat pump protection: Type B-HP RCBO
- Selectable heat pump RCBO ratings: 16A / 25A / 32A / 40A
- Selectable trip curves: B Curve / C Curve
- Heat pump RCBO sensitivity: 30mA
- Heat pump RCBO breaking capacity: 10kA
- Heat pump RCBO configuration: 1P+N, switched live and neutral
- Heat pump RCBO width: 18mm
- Heat pump RCBO mounting: 35mm DIN rail
- Heat pump RCBO standards: BS EN 62423 and BS EN 61009-1
Related Heat Pump Consumer Units and Circuit Protection
Explore our complete Heat Pump Consumer Units range for specialist boards designed for modern heating installations.
Alternatively, browse our Type B-HP Heat Pump RCBOs to purchase individual protective devices in different current ratings and trip curves.
For other equipment, visit our Heat Pump Circuit Protection collection, which includes related products for specialist heating applications.
Installation and Selection Guidance
The WCED WME06 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit should be installed and tested by a competent electrician in accordance with BS 7671 and the equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Select the B-HP RCBO rating and trip curve to suit the heat pump, and ensure the fixed 16A auxiliary RCBOs are appropriate for their connected circuits.
