ABB has introduced the DS301C M IcN 10kA, a compact electromechanical Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection (RCBO), during the Light + Building 2026 trade fair. Designed for demanding electrical installations in commercial and industrial environments, the device delivers advanced fault protection while occupying minimal panel space.
The DS301C M IcN 10kA combines protection against residual current faults, overcurrent and short circuits in a single device. With a short-circuit breaking capacity of 10kA contained within a single 17.6 mm module, the RCBO achieves the width of a standard Miniature Circuit Breaker. Protection performance at this level has traditionally required larger devices occupying two or even three modules, making the new design particularly useful where distribution board space is limited.
Space constraints in modern electrical installations have become more pronounced as buildings incorporate increasing numbers of connected systems and digital infrastructure. Electrical panels in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and retrofit projects must accommodate a growing range of protection, control, and monitoring equipment. The DS301C M addresses this challenge by enabling installers to fit high-capacity protection devices within a smaller footprint.
Compared with traditional installations that combine a Residual Current Circuit Breaker and a Miniature Circuit Breaker, or larger RCBO designs, the DS301C M reduces space requirements by approximately 50 percent. The additional capacity inside distribution panels can be used to install extra circuits or to integrate additional DIN-rail devices such as energy meters, monitoring modules, or automation controls.
The device integrates ABB’s established Miniature Circuit Breaker and Residual Current Circuit Breaker technologies into a single compact module. In the event of a fault condition, the RCBO isolates only the affected circuit rather than shutting down an entire electrical network. This selective protection helps maintain system continuity in large installations and reduces operational disruptions, which is especially important in facilities that depend on uninterrupted electrical supply.
According to Andrea Menti, Energy Distribution Business Line Leader within ABB’s Smart Buildings Division, electrical infrastructure in buildings is evolving rapidly as new technologies are integrated into daily operations. As panel space becomes more constrained, protection devices must provide high performance while occupying less space. The DS301C M 10kA addresses this requirement by delivering high-capacity protection in a single-module format that simplifies installation and supports strict safety standards.
The RCBO operates independently of supply voltage, ensuring that protection functions remain active even if voltage conditions become unstable or temporarily interrupted. As part of ABB’s DIN-rail portfolio, the device is fully compatible with other protection and control components used in sub-distribution and final distribution systems.
The DS301C M also reflects ABB’s broader focus on sustainable product development. The device forms part of the company’s EcoSolutions™ portfolio, which emphasizes energy efficiency, reduced material usage, and lower environmental impact across product lifecycles. Its compact design contributes to material efficiency while maintaining high electrical protection performance.
Manufacturing takes place at ABB’s Santa Palomba facility in Italy. The plant operates under the company’s Mission to Zero™ environmental program and follows a Zero Waste to Landfill approach aimed at minimizing environmental impact during production.
Visitors attending Light + Building 2026 in Frankfurt can view the DS301C M as part of ABB’s “Inside the Innovation” experience. The exhibit places the technology within life-scale residential and commercial building environments designed to replicate real-world installations. ABB is presenting the solution at Booth B51 and E51 in Hall 12 throughout the exhibition, which runs from 8 to 13 March.
ABB is a global technology company specializing in electrification and automation solutions that support more efficient and sustainable operations across industries. The company combines engineering expertise with digital technologies to improve productivity, reliability, and energy efficiency in sectors ranging from utilities and infrastructure to transportation and manufacturing.
With more than 140 years of industrial experience and a workforce of over 110,000 employees worldwide, ABB operates across numerous markets and technology segments. The company’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Nasdaq Stockholm.
ABB Electrification focuses on delivering reliable and efficient electrical distribution solutions from power generation sources to end-use applications. The division employs more than 50,000 people across approximately 100 countries and collaborates with partners and customers to address global challenges in energy distribution and management.
