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Bi-Directional RCBOs

Bi-Directional RCBOs offer protection in both directions of current flow, making them ideal for solar PV systems, battery storage setups, and EV charging installations.

Our selection includes 1-pole, 2-pole, and 3-pole RCBOs for single-phase and three-phase applications, with options in 6kA and 10kA breaking capacities, as well as 30mA and 100mA trip sensitivities.

Choose from trusted brands such as FuseBox, Hager, Live Electrical, Garo, Niglon, and WCED – all compliant with the latest 18th Edition Wiring Regulations to ensure reliable overcurrent and earth leakage protection.

Use the filters to narrow down your selection by brand, pole type, or rating.

For all RCBO models, including standard and bi-directional types, visit our main RCBO category.

Showing 1–20 of 134 results

WCED Type A Bi-Directional Curve B 32A 30mA RCBO – WRB132B-030

7 In Stock
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Usually 1 - 2 Working Days
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SKU: WRB132B-030
£10.00

WCED Type A Bi-Directional Curve B 6A 30mA RCBO – WRB106B-030

6 In Stock
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Usually 1 - 2 Working Days
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SKU: WRB106B-030
£10.00

WCED Type A Bi-Directional Curve B 20A 30mA RCBO – WRB120B-030

10 In Stock
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Usually 1 - 2 Working Days
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SKU: WRB120B-030
£10.00

FuseBox | RTAMB32BD | 30mA | Curve B | Type A Bi-Directional Mini RCBO | 32A

5 In Stock
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Usually 2 - 4 Working Days
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SKU: RTAMB32BD
£14.34

WCED Type A Bi-Directional Curve B 16A 30mA RCBO – WRB116B-030

18 In Stock
More available within:
Usually 1 - 2 Working Days
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SKU: WRB116B-030
£10.00

FuseBox | RTAMB16BD | 30mA | Curve B | Type A Bi-Directional Mini RCBO | 16A

16 In Stock
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Usually 2 - 4 Working Days
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SKU: RTAMB16BD
£14.34

Live Electrical | AMR140B-100 | 100mA Bi-Directional Type A Compact RCBO 40A B Curve

7 In Stock
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Usually 2 - 3 Working Days
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SKU: AMR140B-100
£9.99

FuseBox | RTAMB20BD | 30mA | Curve B | Type A Bi-Directional Mini RCBO | 20A

14 In Stock
More available within:
Usually 2 - 4 Working Days
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SKU: RTAMB20BD
£14.34

FuseBox | RTAMB40BD | 30mA | Curve B | Type A Bi-Directional Mini RCBO | 40A

21 In Stock
More available within:
Usually 2 - 4 Working Days
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SKU: RTAMB40BD
£14.34

FuseBox | RTAMC16BD | 30mA | Curve C | Type A Bi-Directional Mini RCBO | 16A

9 In Stock
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Usually 2 - 4 Working Days
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SKU: RTAMC16BD
£14.34

FuseBox | RTAMC32BD | 30mA | Curve C | Type A Bi-Directional Mini RCBO | 32A

29 In Stock
More available within:
Usually 2 - 4 Working Days
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SKU: RTAMC32BD
£14.34

Live Electrical | RKA132B-030 | 1P+N | Bi-Directional RCBO | Type A | Curve B | 10kA | 30mA | 32A

2 In Stock
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Usually 2 - 3 Working Days
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SKU: RKA132B-030
£11.59

WCED Type A Bi-Directional Curve B 10A 30mA RCBO – WRB110B-030

11 In Stock
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Usually 1 - 2 Working Days
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SKU: WRB110B-030
£10.00

Live Electrical RNA40C-030 RCBO A Type DP Bi-Directional 40A C Curve 30mA

9 In Stock
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Usually 2 - 3 Working Days
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SKU: RNA40C-030
£10.43

Live Electrical | RKA116B-030 | 1P+N | Bi-Directional RCBO | Type A | Curve B | 10kA | 30mA | 16A

5 In Stock
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Usually 2 - 3 Working Days
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SKU: RKA116B-030
£11.59

Niglon RCBO1-6/30SAX2 6A Curve B 30mA Bi-Directional A Type RCBO

8 In Stock
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Usually 2 - 3 Working Days
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SKU: RCBO1-6/30SAX2
£12.78

FuseBox | RTAMB10BD | 30mA | Curve B | Type A Bi-Directional Mini RCBO | 10A

35 In Stock
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Usually 2 - 4 Working Days
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SKU: RTAMB10BD
£14.34

FuseBox | RTAMC20BD | 30mA | Curve C | Type A Bi-Directional Mini RCBO | 20A

11 In Stock
More available within:
Usually 2 - 4 Working Days
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SKU: RTAMC20BD
£14.34

FuseBox | RTAMC06BD | 30mA | Curve C | Type A Bi-Directional Mini RCBO | 6A

17 In Stock
More available within:
Usually 2 - 4 Working Days
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SKU: RTAMC06BD
£14.34

FuseBox | RTAMC40BD | 30mA | Curve C | Type A Bi-Directional Mini RCBO | 40A

17 In Stock
More available within:
Usually 2 - 4 Working Days
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SKU: RTAMC40BD
£14.34

Showing 1–20 of 134 results

Understanding Bi-Directional RCBOs

Bi-Directional RCBOs represent a key advancement in circuit protection, offering reliable safety in both directions of current flow. Traditional RCBOs were designed primarily for current moving from the supply to the load, but as modern electrical systems evolved — with energy generation and storage becoming commonplace — this limitation needed to be addressed.

Why Bi-Directional RCBOs Were Introduced

With the rise of solar PV systems, EV chargers, and battery storage, current can flow back toward the supply side under certain conditions.
Standard RCBOs may not detect faults accurately in these situations, which led to the development of bidirectional designs — devices that sense and interrupt earth leakage and overcurrent faults regardless of current direction.

This makes them ideal for use in:

  • EV charging installations
  • Solar and battery hybrid systems
  • Smart homes with distributed power sources.

 

Compliance and BS 7671 Requirements

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) emphasise the importance of using suitable protective devices for circuits where current flow may reverse.
Bi-Directional RCBOs help ensure compliance with these standards, reducing the risk of faults in renewable and energy-efficient systems.

Their dual-direction sensing technology ensures protection for both installers and end users, helping future-proof electrical installations in line with Part 7: Section 722 (Electric Vehicle Charging Installations) and Regulation 712.411.3.2.1.1 (Solar PV Systems).

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an RCBO bi-directional?

A bi-directional RCBO can detect and interrupt residual current faults in both directions of current flow — from supply to load and load to supply. This is vital in systems where current may reverse, such as solar PV or battery storage setups.

Do I need a bi-directional RCBO for my EV charger?

Yes, in most cases. BS 7671 (18th Edition) recommends using bi-directional protection for circuits that can export energy back into the system, which applies to many EV charging and renewable energy applications. It ensures the installation remains safe and compliant.

Are bi-directional RCBOs interchangeable with standard RCBOs?

Physically, they fit the same consumer units, but not all systems require them. Standard RCBOs protect only one direction of current flow, while bi-directional versions are designed for bidirectional power environments. Always check your manufacturer’s instructions and regulation requirements before replacing.