Hybird breakers continuously measure earth leakage current (in milliamps). If leakage exceeds configured thresholds, an alert is generated. This guide explains what leakage readings mean and how to respond.
Understanding leakage readings
Earth leakage current is the current flowing from a circuit to earth through unintended paths. Small amounts of leakage are normal in any electrical installation.
Hybird RCBOs and RCDs are available with three residual current sensitivities. Each will trip at its rated sensitivity:
30 mA variant · trips at 30 mA leakage current. Typical for domestic circuits and where personal protection is the primary concern.
100 mA variant · trips at 100 mA leakage current. Typical for commercial circuits where nuisance tripping from normal capacitive leakage is a concern.
300 mA variant · trips at 300 mA leakage current. Typical for protection of equipment and installations against fire risk from sustained earth leakage.
Step 1: Check the current leakage reading
In the Hybird OS Platform, navigate to the affected breaker and check its real-time leakage reading. Note whether the leakage is constant or fluctuating.
Step 2: Identify the source
If leakage is elevated:
Identify all loads connected to the circuit.
Disconnect loads one at a time while monitoring the leakage reading (updated every few seconds).
When the leakage drops significantly, the last disconnected device is likely the source.
Step 3: Common causes
Moisture ingress · water in junction boxes, cable runs, or equipment. Common after heavy rain or flooding.
Damaged cable insulation · physical damage to wiring, often from rodents, construction work, or age.
Faulty equipment · appliances with deteriorating internal insulation, especially heating elements, motors, and older equipment.
Electronic equipment · variable frequency drives (VFDs), LED drivers, and switch-mode power supplies can produce normal capacitive leakage. If leakage is stable and below the trip threshold, this may be acceptable.
Step 4: Type A vs Type B considerations
For circuits feeding equipment that may produce smooth DC fault currents (EV chargers, variable frequency drives, solar inverters), Type B residual current protection is required to detect DC leakage. Hybird RCDs are Type B as standard; Type A is available made-to-order. If your installation includes Type B-only equipment, ensure the protective device is Type B.
Step 5: RCD coordination
If using a Hybird RCD upstream of MCBs, be aware that leakage currents are cumulative. The upstream RCD sees the total leakage of all downstream circuits. Even if individual circuits are below their trip threshold, the combined leakage may trip the upstream RCD.
Step 6: Escalate
If the leakage source cannot be identified or if leakage is causing repeated trips, contact Hybird support or a qualified electrician.
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