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IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit
The WCED WMIP-HP IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit is a specialist distribution board housed in a robust black metal enclosure, designed for heat pump installations requiring enhanced protection against dust and water ingress. Combining high-performance residual-current protection with two additional circuit protective devices, it provides a practical solution for modern heat pump systems and associated electrical equipment.
This IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit includes two fixed 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs for auxiliary circuits and one selectable Type B-HP RCBO dedicated to the heat pump. The specialist heat pump RCBO is available in 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A and 40A ratings, with B Curve or C Curve options for each current rating.
What’s Included in the IP65 Heat Pump Consumer Unit?
- 1 x WCED black metal IP65 5-module consumer unit enclosure
- 2 x 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs – fixed specification
- 1 x Type B-HP Heat Pump RCBO – selectable rating and trip curve
- 1 x main switch isolator
- Hinged enclosure cover
The two auxiliary RCBOs and the main switch are standard components across the range. Only the dedicated Type B-HP heat pump RCBO changes according to the selected variation.
Black Metal IP65 Enclosure for Demanding Installations
The WCED WMIP-HP features a black metal enclosure with an IP65 ingress protection rating, offering a robust alternative to conventional indoor consumer units.
The IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit is particularly suited to installations where additional environmental protection is required, including appropriate outdoor or exposed locations, subject to correct mounting, cable entry arrangements and installation conditions.
Its enclosure offers the following benefits:
- Durable black metal construction
- IP65 protection against dust ingress and water jets when correctly installed
- Hinged protective cover
- 5-module enclosure configuration
- Suitable for applications requiring a higher level of ingress protection
- Compact arrangement for dedicated heat pump and auxiliary circuits
Two Fixed 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs for Additional Circuits
A key feature of the IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit is the inclusion of two separate 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs, supplied alongside the dedicated heat pump protective device.
These additional RCBOs are intended for suitably designed auxiliary circuits associated with the heating installation. Depending on the equipment manufacturer’s requirements and circuit characteristics, examples may include immersion heaters, supplementary heating equipment or other auxiliary electrical loads.
Each RCBO provides independent overcurrent and residual-current protection for its connected circuit.
Both additional devices are supplied with the following fixed specifications:
- Rated current: 16A
- Overcurrent characteristic: B Curve
- Residual-current classification: Type A
- Quantity included: 2
These two Type A RCBOs remain unchanged regardless of whether the selected heat pump RCBO is B Curve or C Curve.
Selectable Type B-HP RCBO for Dedicated Heat Pump Protection
The main heat pump circuit is protected by a specialist Type B-HP RCBO developed for inverter-driven heat pump technology. Unlike conventional Type A residual-current devices, Type B-HP protection is designed to detect smooth DC residual faults and operate in high-frequency environments associated with electronic inverter systems.
The dedicated RCBO within the WCED IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit offers 30mA residual-current sensitivity, a 10kA breaking capacity and bi-directional operation.
Installers can select the required current rating and overcurrent trip characteristic according to the heat pump manufacturer’s specifications and electrical installation design.
Available B-HP RCBO Ratings and Trip Curves
Choose from ten configurations of the IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit:
- 16A B Curve – WMIP-HP16B
- 16A C Curve – WMIP-HP16C
- 20A B Curve – WMIP-HP20B
- 20A C Curve – WMIP-HP20C
- 25A B Curve – WMIP-HP25B
- 25A C Curve – WMIP-HP25C
- 32A B Curve – WMIP-HP32B
- 32A C Curve – WMIP-HP32C
- 40A B Curve – WMIP-HP40B
- 40A C Curve – WMIP-HP40C
The B Curve or C Curve selection determines the overcurrent trip characteristic of the dedicated heat pump RCBO. The B-HP designation refers separately to its specialist Type B high-performance residual-current detection capabilities.
The correct RCBO rating and trip curve should always be selected with reference to the connected heat pump, manufacturer instructions, prospective fault current and circuit design.
High-Frequency Protection for Inverter-Driven Heat Pumps
Many modern heat pumps incorporate inverter-driven compressors that control motor speed electronically. These systems can generate smooth DC residual currents and high-frequency leakage currents, making the selection of suitable residual-current protection particularly important.
The WCED WMIP-HP IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit incorporates a specialist protective device engineered for these operating conditions.
According to WCED, the dedicated Type B-HP RCBO offers:
- Detection of smooth DC residual fault currents
- High-frequency operation up to 20kHz, with performance tested above 20kHz
- Manufacturer-specified minimum 150mA tripping threshold for frequencies exceeding 1kHz
- 30mA rated residual-current sensitivity
- 10kA short-circuit breaking capacity
- Bi-directional operation
- 1P+N configuration with switched live and neutral
- 18mm single-module construction
- Compliance with BS EN 62423 and BS EN 61009-1
These characteristics are intended to provide appropriate residual-current detection while helping reduce unwanted tripping associated with high-frequency leakage currents generated during normal inverter operation.
Main Switch Isolation
The IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit is supplied with a main switch isolator, allowing the distribution board to be isolated for appropriate maintenance and electrical work.
This arrangement combines a dedicated heat pump RCBO, two auxiliary circuit RCBOs and a main switch within a single weather-resistant enclosure.
Key Features of the IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit
- WCED Whitecliffe black metal IP65 heat pump consumer unit
- 5-module enclosure with hinged protective cover
- Dedicated selectable Type B-HP Heat Pump RCBO
- 16A, 20A, 25A, 32A and 40A heat pump RCBO options
- Choice of B Curve or C Curve for the heat pump RCBO
- Two fixed 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs for associated circuits
- Main switch isolator included
- 30mA residual-current sensitivity for the Type B-HP RCBO
- 10kA breaking capacity for the Type B-HP RCBO
- Designed for suitable inverter-driven heat pump installations
Technical Specifications
- Brand: WCED Whitecliffe Electrical
- Product range: WMIP-HP
- Product type: IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit
- Enclosure material: Metal
- Colour: Black
- Ingress protection: IP65
- Enclosure capacity: 5 modules
- Auxiliary RCBOs: 2 x 16A B Curve Type A
- Heat pump circuit protection: Type B-HP RCBO
- Selectable B-HP RCBO ratings: 16A / 20A / 25A / 32A / 40A
- Selectable overcurrent trip characteristics: B Curve / C Curve
- B-HP RCBO sensitivity: 30mA
- B-HP RCBO breaking capacity: 10kA
- B-HP RCBO rated voltage: 230V AC
- B-HP RCBO poles: 1P+N, switched live and neutral
- B-HP RCBO width: 18mm
- B-HP RCBO standards: BS EN 62423 and BS EN 61009-1
- Main switch: Included
Related Heat Pump Consumer Units and Circuit Protection
Explore our complete range of Heat Pump Consumer Units, including alternative enclosure configurations for different installation requirements.
For individual high-performance protective devices, browse our Type B-HP Heat Pump RCBO range, offering different current ratings and B or C Curve options.
Discover further products in our Heat Pump Circuit Protection collection.
For installations that require integrated surge protection within a conventional indoor enclosure, consider the WCED WME06 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit, supplied with a Type 2 SPD and the same arrangement of two fixed 16A B Curve Type A RCBOs and one selectable Type B-HP RCBO.
Installation and Selection Guidance
The WCED WMIP-HP IP65 B-HP RCBO Heat Pump Consumer Unit must be installed by a competent electrician in accordance with BS 7671 and the equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Correct selection of the dedicated heat pump RCBO, suitable cable entries and appropriate enclosure installation are essential to maintaining the required protection and IP65 rating.
