Hi Eric:
I can answer one of your questions. In Europe, the ELCB/RCCB/GFCI is an all-magnetic device and is combined with the overcurrent circuit-breaker into a single unit. It is/they are located in the breaker box. All outlets are protected by the combined unit(s). The main breaker and some dedicated high-current circuits use the "normal" circuit-breaker, i.e., without the ELCB/RCCB/GFCI function. Because of the wiring and multiple outlets on the ELCB/RCCB/GFCI breaker, and because it is a magnetic (not electronic) unit, the trip current is 20 mA. The wiring and multiple outlets pre-load the unit to maybe 10 mA or more. So, the effective trip current can be as low as 5 mA (the standard value for the North American electronic units). Europe does not have the ELCB/RCCB/GFCI built into the outlet as is common in North America. Best regards, Rich ------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Nute Quality Department Hewlett-Packard Company Product Regulations Group San Diego Division (SDD) Tel : 619 655 3329 16399 West Bernardo Drive FAX : 619 655 4979 San Diego, California 92127 e-mail: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------- ELCB = Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker RCCB = Residual Current Circuit Breaker GFCI = Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
