standard byInternational Electrotechnical Commission , 11/01/2024
This document gives general requirements and tests for residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (hereafter referred to as RCCBs), for rated operational voltages not exceeding 440 V AC, with rated frequencies of 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz and rated currents not exceeding 125 A, intended principally for protection against shock hazard.
RCCBs are intended to provide fault protection (previously referred to as protection against indirect contact), the exposed conductive parts of the installation being connected to an appropriate earth electrode. They are also intended to be used to provide protection against fire hazards due to a persistent earth fault current.
RCCBs having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA are used for fault protection and additional protection in the case of failure of the protective provisions against electric shock.
This document applies to RCCBs 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 group safety publication IEC 60755.
NOTE 2 RCCBs of type AC and type A are covered by the IEC 61008 series. RCCBs of type F and type B are covered by IEC 62423 in conjunction with the IEC 61008 series.
NOTE 3 Installation and selection rules for RCCBs are given in the IEC 60364 series.
NOTE 4 Installation and application rules of RCCBs in ZA is given in SANS 10142-1.
RCCBs are intended to be operated by ordinary or uninstructed persons and designed not to require maintenance.
The requirements of this document apply for standard conditions (see 7.1). Additional requirements can be necessary for RCCBs used in locations which have severe environmental conditions. RCCBs within the scope of this document are intended for use in an environment with pollution degree 2 (see 7.3).
NOTE 5 For environments with higher pollution degrees, enclosures giving the appropriate degree of protection can be used.
NOTE 6 For RCCBs having a degree of protection higher than IP20, special constructions can be required.
RCCBs are suitable for isolation.
Special precautions (e.g. surge protective devices) can 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 and IEC 60364-5-53).
RCCBs, with the exception of those with an uninterrupted neutral, are suitable for use in IT systems.
