BS EN 61008-1:2012+A12:2017

Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs). General rules | Status: Current, Under review

1 Scope This International Standard applies to residual current operated circuit-breakers functionally independent of, or functionally dependent on, line voltage, for household and similar uses, not incorporating overcurrent protection (hereafter referred to as RCCBs), for rated voltages not exceeding 440 V a.c. text deleted and rated currents not exceeding 125 A, for fixed installations, intended principally for protection against shock hazard. These devices are intended to protect persons against indirect contact, the exposed conductive parts of the installation being connected to an appropriate earth electrode. They may be used to provide protection against fire hazards due to a persistent earth fault current, without the operation of the overcurrent protective device. RCCBs having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA are also used as a means for additional protection in case of failure of the protective means against electric shock. This standard applies to devices performing simultaneously the functions of detection of the residual current, of comparison of the value of this current with the residual operating value and of opening of the protected circuit when the residual current exceeds this value.

NOTE 1 The requirements for RCCBs are in line with the general requirements of IEC 60755. RCCBs are essentially intended to be operated by uninstructed persons and designed not to require maintenance. They may be submitted for certification purposes.

NOTE 2 Installation and application rules of RCCBs are given in the IEC 60364 series.

They are intended for use in an environment with pollution degree 2 and overvoltage category III.. They are suitable for isolation. RCCBs complying with this standard text deleted are suitable for use in IT systems. Special precautions (e.g. lightning arresters) may be necessary when excessive overvoltages are likely to occur on the supply side (for example in the case of supply through overhead lines) (see IEC 60364‑4‑44). RCCBs of the general type are resistant to unwanted tripping including the case where surge voltages (as a result of switching transients or induced by lightning) cause loading currents in the installation without occurrence of flashover. RCCBs of type S are considered to be sufficient proof against unwanted tripping even if the surge voltage causes a flashover and a follow-on current occurs.

NOTE 3 Surge arresters installed downstream of the general type of RCCBs and connected in common mode may cause unwanted tripping.

NOTE 4 For RCCBs having a degree of protection higher than IP20 special constructions may be required.

Particular requirements are necessary for

• – residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection (see IEC 61009‑1);
• – RCCBs integrated in one unit with a socket-outlet or designed exclusively for being associated locally with a socket-outlet in the same mounting box.
• – RCCBs intended to be used at frequencies other than 50 Hz.

For RCCBs incorporated in, or intended only for association with socket-outlets, the requirements of this standard may be used, as far as applicable, in conjunction Text deleted or the national requirements for socket outlets of the country where the product is placed on the market.

NOTE 5 RCCBs incorporated in, or intended only for association with socket-outlets, can either meet IEC 62640 or this standard.

text deleted The requirements of this standard apply for normal environmental conditions (see 7.1). Additional requirements may be necessary for RCCBs used in locations having severe environmental conditions. RCCBs including batteries are not covered by this standard.