AC Protection Selection Guide
A buyer-focused guide for selecting AC-side protection devices after the inverter: MCBs, RCBOs, RCCBs, leakage protection and distribution boards for residential and C&I solar projects.
Quick Answer
Select AC protection by inverter output, phase type, rated current, short-circuit capacity, residual-current requirement, local code and distribution board layout. The safest RFQ includes both device ratings and the board wiring arrangement.
AC Protection Device Matrix
Use the table to identify which device belongs in the AC-side protection package.
| Device | Main Role | Typical Use | Buyer Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCB | Overcurrent and short-circuit protection | Inverter AC output circuits | Rated current, pole count, curve, breaking capacity and board fit. |
| RCBO | Overcurrent plus residual-current protection | Residential and light commercial final circuits | Type A or project-specific leakage requirement. |
| RCCB | Residual-current protection only | Main leakage protection combined with upstream/downstream overcurrent device | Rated residual current, type, poles and coordination. |
| EV RCCB | Leakage protection for EV or special inverter-related circuits | Solar carport and EV-ready AC boards | Confirm local code and charger/inverter documentation. |
AC Protection RFQ Checklist
These inputs help the supplier quote the right AC devices and board layout.
Related AC Protection SKUs
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Send the BOM, destination market, order quantity, target delivery date and document requirements. OmniSol can check product matching, packing logic and RFQ assumptions before quotation.
AC Protection Selection Guide FAQ
Should solar projects use MCB, RCBO or RCCB?
It depends on whether the circuit needs overcurrent protection, residual-current protection, or both. RCBO combines both functions, while RCCB usually requires coordination with an overcurrent device.
Why does residual-current type matter?
Inverters and EV-related circuits can create leakage-current characteristics that require Type A, Type B or EV-specific protection depending on local code and equipment documentation.
Can AC protection be quoted with distribution boards?
Yes. For repeatable procurement, it is often cleaner to quote the AC devices and distribution board as one assembled package.
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