ABB Residual Current Circuit Breaker GSH201 AC-C16

The ABB GSH201 AC-C16 is a 1P+N-pole Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO). It integrates three core functions: protezione da sovraccarico, protezione da cortocircuito, and residual current protection. With a rated current of 16A, a Type C tripping curve, and an Type AC residual current detection type, its rated residual operating current is typically 30mA (the complete model is GSH201 AC-C16/0.03). As a member of the ABB Compact Home product series, it is suitable for the protection of terminal power distribution circuits in residential and commercial buildings.

In-depth Analysis of Model Naming Convention

Segment	Code	Meaning
Series Identifier	GSH201	1P+N-pole RCBO of the Compact Home series
Residual Current Type	AC	Detects sinusoidal alternating residual current, suitable for pure AC loads
Tripping Curve	C	Tripping curve type with an instantaneous tripping range of 5-10In, applicable to conventional loads such as lighting and sockets
Corrente nominale	16	Rated operating current of 16A
Residual Operating Current	0.03	Rated residual operating current of 30mA (some models may feature 0.01A=10mA)
Pole Configuration	1P+N	1 phase pole + 1 neutral pole; the neutral pole remains permanently closed, and only the phase pole can be switched off

Complete Model Example: GSH201 AC-C16/0.03, Product Code: 2TAZ220111R2164

Core Technical Parameters and Performance Indicators

Categoria dei parametri	Specific Value	Description
Tensione nominale	230/400V e	Suitable for single-phase branches in single-phase and three-phase systems
Corrente nominale (In)	16UN	Continuous operating current capacity
Rated Short-circuit Breaking Capacity (Icn)	6IL	Short-circuit breaking capacity at 230/400V AC
Caratteristica di intervento	Tipo C	Protezione da sovraccarico: inverse time characteristic, 1.45In≤It≤1.55In (no tripping within 1 hour), 2.55In≤It≤2.85In (inciampare dentro 2 minutes); Protezione da cortocircuito: instantaneous tripping at 5-10In
Residual Current Protection Parameters	Type AC, IΔn=30mA	Residual current operating time: ≤0.1s (In≤40A, IΔn≤0.03A)
Rated Residual Non-operating Current (IΔn0)	15mA	The circuit breaker shall not trip when the residual current does not exceed this value
Mechanical Service Life	≥20,000 operations	Number of closing and opening operation cycles
Electrical Service Life	≥6,000 operations	Number of closing and opening operation cycles at rated current
Width Dimension	17.5mm	Standard DIN rail mounting width, saving distribution box space
Mounting Method	35mm DIN rail	Compliant with IEC 60715 standard rail
Operating Temperature	-25°C ~ +55°C	Adaptable to various indoor environmental conditions
Protection Degree (IP Rating)	IP20	Protection against access to hazardous parts by fingers or solid foreign objects with diameter ≥12mm

III. Core Functions and Advantages

Integration of Triple Protection Functions

Overload Protection: Achieves inverse time protection through the thermal effect of bimetallic strips, matching the thermal characteristics of cables to prevent line overheating and aging.

Short-circuit Protection: The electromagnetic release provides instantaneous protection, quickly interrupting short-circuit current to limit fault expansion.

Residual Current Protection: Detects residual current and trips rapidly (≤0.1s) when the current exceeds the set value (30mA), preventing personal electric shock accidents.

Design and Safety Features

1P+N Structure: The neutral pole remains permanently closed to ensure the neutral line is not interrupted during power-off, enhancing safety.

Current Limiting Function: Quickly limits fault current during short-circuits, reducing the risk of line and equipment damage.

Test Button: Built-in test button for regular verification of the residual current protection function.

Mechanical Indication: Clearly displays the on/off status of the circuit breaker and the cause of tripping.

Reliability and Compatibility

Complies with international and national standards such as IEC 61009-1 and GB/T 16917.1.

Features the same dimensions as the ABB SH200 series miniature circuit breakers, enabling mixed installation.

Offers strong electromagnetic interference resistance to ensure stable operation in complex electrical environments.

Application Scenarios and Selection Key Points
Scenari applicativi tipici

Application Field	Applicable Loads	Selection Advantages
Residential Power Distribution	Living room/bedroom sockets, lighting circuits, air conditioner branches	Residual current protection prevents electric shock; Type C curve is suitable for conventional loads
Commercial Buildings	Office sockets, public area lighting, small commercial equipment	1P+N structure saves space; 30mA residual current protection complies with safety regulations
Light Industry	Control circuits of small machine tools, power supplies for testing equipment	Triple protection ensures equipment and personnel safety
Strutture mediche	Power supplies for non-critical medical equipment	Some 10mA models (GSH201 AC-C16/0.01) can be used in environments sensitive to residual current

Core Selection Steps
Determine Load Type: Select Type C curve for conventional lighting and socket loads; select Type D curve for motor loads.
Calculate Load Current: Ensure the 16A rated current is greater than the actual load current (UN 20% margin is recommended).
Select Residual Current Type: Choose Type AC for pure AC loads; choose Type A or Type AP-R for loads containing DC components (per esempio., electronic devices).
Determine Residual Operating Current: Select 30mA for general locations; select 10mA for humid environments or locations with high safety requirements.
Verify Breaking Capacity: Ensure the 6kA breaking capacity meets the short-circuit current requirements of the installation point.
Installation and Operation Precautions
Specifiche di cablaggio

Strictly distinguish between the phase pole (l) and neutral pole (N); the neutral line must be connected to the N terminal, and reverse connection is prohibited.

Ensure the circuit is de-energized before wiring; the cable cross-section should match the 16A rated current (1.5mm² copper core cable or above is recommended).

Tighten the terminal screws to the torque specified in the manual (usually 2.5N·m) to prevent overheating caused by poor contact.

Operation and Maintenance

Verify the residual current protection function using the test button after installation.

Press the test button regularly (monthly is recommended) to check if the residual current protection is functioning properly.

After a residual current trip, identify and eliminate the fault cause before manually resetting the circuit breaker.

Avoid frequent operation; inspect the circuit breaker for damage especially after a short-circuit fault.

Avvertenze di sicurezza

This product cannot be used for neutral line overcurrent protection of three-phase unbalanced loads.

It cannot be used as a replacement for an isolating switch; ensure all power supplies are disconnected during power-off maintenance.

It is not suitable for use in flammable and explosive environments unless special protective measures are taken.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when used in conjunction with other protective devices (per esempio., surge protectors).

Comparison with Similar Products

Comparison Item	GSH201 AC-C16	SH201-C16 (MCB)	GSH202 AC-C16 (2P)
Funzioni di protezione	Overload + Short-circuit + Residual Current	Overload + Short-circuit only	Overload + Short-circuit + Residual Current
Pole Configuration	1P+N	1P	2P (two phase poles)
Neutral Pole	Permanently closed	No neutral pole	Both poles can be switched off
Width Dimension	17.5mm	17.5mm	35mm
Applicable Scenarios	Single-phase residential/commercial branches	Branches requiring only overload and short-circuit protection	Scenarios requiring neutral pole switching
Price Range	Medium	Low	Medium-high

As a high-performance 1P+N-pole RCBO, the ABB GSH201 AC-C16/0.03 has become the ideal choice for terminal power distribution in residential and commercial buildings due to its compact design, triple protection, and high reliability. It can not only effectively prevent overload and short-circuit faults but also provide 30mA residual current protection to safeguard personal and property safety. During selection, the tripping curve, residual current type, and residual operating current should be reasonably chosen based on the load type, current magnitude, and safety requirements to ensure optimal protection effectiveness and system compatibility.