32A RCBOs are one of the most commonly requested ratings for domestic and light commercial circuits. They sit at the sweet spot for high-demand loads that exceed 20A, but don’t require the jump to 40A or specialist protection curves. In practice, 32A RCBOs cover many single high-load appliances, outbuilding supplies and small distribution circuits.
Quick Answer: 32A RCBOs are typically used on circuits supplying ovens, hobs, showers under 7.5kW, EV chargers (manufacturer-dependent), garage or outbuilding feeds, small distribution circuits, and any single load that draws around 6–7kW. They provide combined overload + earth leakage protection in one device, making them ideal for modern Amendment 2 boards.
You can browse the full range here: 32A RCBOs.
This guide breaks down the circuits that commonly require a 32A RCBO, how to match the rating to the load, and when to choose B curve, C curve or High-Immunity variants.
What Circuits Commonly Use a 32A RCBO?
Installers typically choose a 32A RCBO when a circuit supplies a load between roughly 5–7.5kW. Common examples include:
- Electric ovens (freestanding or built-in)
- Electric hobs (induction or ceramic)
- Showers under ~7.5kW (larger showers often require 40–50A)
- Garage or outbuilding supply circuits
- Workshop sockets feeding tools with moderate startup load
- Small distribution circuits supplying a secondary CU
- Some EV chargers (manufacturer-dependent — most are 32A)
- Heat pump indoor units where current draw falls within rating
Most single kitchen appliances drawing 28–32A sit perfectly on this rating.
How to Know If 32A Is the Right Rating
To confirm whether a circuit needs a 32A RCBO, installers normally check:
- Manufacturer load rating (e.g., 6.2kW hob = ~27A, so 32A device)
- Circuit cable size - 6mm² T&E commonly paired with 32A
- Zs values to ensure disconnection times are met
- Installation method (clipped, buried, grouped, insulated)
- Diversity (kitchen loads especially)
If a load’s full-load current sits between 26–32A, a 32A RCBO is the natural choice.
Compliance note: Most 18th Edition installs require Type A RCBOs to handle modern electronic loads. Always check the sensitivity type as well as the current rating.
B Curve vs C Curve vs High Immunity - Which 32A RCBO Should You Use?
The curve choice depends entirely on the load characteristic:
32A B Curve RCBO
Trips at 3–5× rated current. Ideal for:
- Standard ovens
- Standard hobs
- Heaters or tank immersion assemblies
- General outbuilding feeds with low inrush
32A C Curve RCBO
Trips at 5–10× rated current. Required for:
- Induction hobs
- EV chargers (most models)
- Motors, compressors or pumps
- Workshop tools with start-up surge
32A High Immunity RCBO
Used where circuits experience electrical noise, backfeed, or harmonics:
- EV chargers with switching electronics
- Solar PV inverter circuits
- UPS or inverter-driven systems
- Disturbance-prone commercial circuits
Recommended 32A RCBOs
These 32A models receive strong search demand and suit the majority of domestic high-load circuits.
- 32A B Curve Type A RCBO with Surge Protection – WER32B
- 32A C Curve Type A RCBO – WRT132C-030
- 32A High Immunity B Curve RCBO – WER32B-030
- 32A High Immunity C Curve RCBO – WER32C-030
View all options here:
32A RCBOs
FAQs
Installers regularly ask these questions when choosing a 32A RCBO.
Can a 32A RCBO run an EV charger?
Yes - many 7.2kW chargers run on 32A. Always check manufacturer requirements and use Type A sensitivity.
Is 32A enough for a shower?
Only for lower-output units (~7kW). Most 8.5–10.5kW showers need 40–50A protection.
Does a 32A circuit always need 6mm² cable?
Not always - factors like installation method, grouping and insulation affect cable sizing. Many domestic installs still use 6mm² for 32A loads.
Should I use a B curve or C curve?
B curve for standard resistive loads. C curve for anything with inrush, motors, induction or electronic switching.
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