BS 7288:2016+A1:2022 - Page 3

Specification for residual current devices with or without overcurrent protection for socket‑outlets for household and similar uses. | Status: Current

1 Scope This British Standard applies to residual current‑operated devices (RCD) incorporated in, or specifically intended for use with, single pole and neutral and single pole and switched neutral and double pole socket‑outlets, with provision of earthing of the socket‑outlet for household and similar uses (SRCD: socket‑outlet residual current devices). SRCDs, according to this standard, are intended to be used in single phase systems such as phase to neutral. SRCDs are only intended to provide supplementary protection downstream of the SRCD. SRCDs are intended for use in circuits where the fault protection and additional protection are already assured upstream of the SRCD.

NOTE 1 Void.

NOTE 2 Void.

NOTE 3 Void.

SRCDs are only intended to provide additional protection downstream of the SRCD. SRCDs are intended for use in circuits where the fault protection (indirect contact protection) is already assured upstream of the SRCD.

NOTE 4 For SRCDs intended to provide isolation or fault protection, or to be used in IT systems, BS EN 61008‑1 or BS EN 61009‑1 should be used, as applicable, in conjunction with the requirements of BS 1363‑2 for socket‑outlets.

NOTE 5 Requirements and testing for SRCDs intended to be used in IT systems are under consideration.

SRCDs are not used in distribution boards. They are not intended for the protection of a complete distribution circuit or a complete final circuit. These products are intended to be installed:

• • in boxes in compliance with BS EN 60670‑1; or
• • in cable trunking systems in compliance with the BS EN 61084 series; or
• • in power track systems in compliance with the BS EN 61534 series; or
• • in boxes according to one of the above standards adjacent to socket‑outlet boxes.

They are not intended to be used in enclosures or distribution boards in conformity with BS EN 60670‑24, BS EN 61439‑1 or BS EN 61439‑3. RCDs for household and similar use not covered by the scope of this standard are covered by BS EN 61008‑1 or BS EN 61009‑1. SRCDs energized from batteries, or a circuit other than the one powering the loads, are not covered by this standard. The residual current device incorporates the functions of detection of the residual current, of comparison of the value of this current with the residual operating value and of opening the protected circuit when the residual current exceeds this value. The maximum rated residual operating current is 30 mA. The maximum rated current is 16 A for devices with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 V a.c.

NOTE 6 Void.

NOTE 7 Void.

This British Standard applies to SRCDs incorporating overload or overcurrent protection. This standard also applies to a connection unit incorporating a residual current device intended to protect fixed electrical equipment.

NOTE 8 SRCDs are designed to be operated by uninstructed persons and not to require maintenance.

The requirements of this standard apply for normal conditions of temperature and environment. Additional requirements may be necessary for devices used in locations having more severe environmental conditions. The socket‑outlet part of an SRCD is covered by BS 1363‑2. The connection unit part of an SRCD is covered by BS 1363‑4.