standard byInternational Electrotechnical Commission , 11/01/2024
IEC 61009-1:2024 gives general requirements and tests for residual current operated
circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (hereafter
referred to as RCBOs), 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 and rated
short-circuit capacities not exceeding 25 000 A.
RCBOs 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. These devices are also intended to protect against overcurrents in
the wiring installations of buildings and similar applications. They are also intended to be used
to provide protection against fire hazards due to a persistent earth fault current.
RCBOs 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 RCBOs 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. These devices
also perform the function of making, carrying and breaking overcurrents under specified
conditions.
NOTE 1 The requirements for RCBOs are in line with the group safety publication IEC 60755.
NOTE 2 RCBOs of type AC and type A are covered by the IEC 61009 series. RCBOs of type F and type B are
covered by IEC 62423 in conjunction with the IEC 61009 series.
NOTE 3 Installation and selection rules for RCBOs are given in the IEC 60364 series.
NOTE 4 The content of this document related to operation under residual current conditions is based on
IEC 61008-1. The content of this document related to protection against overcurrents is based on IEC 60898-1.
RCBOs 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 RCBOs used in locations which have severe environmental
conditions. RCBOs 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 RCBOs having a degree of protection higher than IP20 special constructions can be required.
RCBOs 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).
RCBOs, with the exception of those with an uninterrupted neutral, are suitable for use in IT
systems.
RCBOs of the general type are resistant to current surges, 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.
RCBOs of type S are considered to be sufficiently resistant against unwanted tripping even if
the surge voltage causes a flashover and a follow-on current occurs.
NOTE 7 Surge protective devices installed downstream of the general type of RCBOs and connected in common
mode can cause unwanted tripping.
This document also applies to RCBOs obtained by the assembly of an adaptable residual
current device with a circuit-breaker. The mechanical assembly is intended to be effected in the
factory by the manufacturer, or on site, in which case the requirements of Annex G apply. It
also applies to RCBOs having more than one rated current, provided that the means for
changing from one discrete rating to another is not accessible in normal service and that the
rating cannot be changed without the use of a tool.
Particular requirements are necessary for RCBOs intended to be used at frequencies other than
50 Hz or 60 Hz.
For RCBOs incorporated in, or intended for association with socket-outlets only, the
requirements of this document can be used, as far as applicable, in conjunction with the
requirements of IEC 60884-1 or the national requirements of the country where the product is
placed on the market.
NOTE 8 Residual current devices (RCDs) with or without overcurrent protection for socket-outlets for household
and similar uses are also covered by IEC 62640.
NOTE 9 In DK, plugs and socket-outlets are in accordance with the requirements of the heavy current regulations
section 107.
NOTE 10 In the UK, the plug part associated with an RCBO complies with BS 1363-1 and the socket-outlet(s)
associated with an RCBO complies with BS 1363-2. In the UK, the plug part and the socket-outlet(s) associated with
an RCBO need not comply with any IEC 60884-1 requirements.
This document does not apply to:
– RCBOs intended to protect motors;
– RCBOs the current setting of which is adjustable without a tool;
– RCBOs including batteries.
A guide for the coordination of RCBOs with fuses is given in Annex F.
This document is not intended to be used alone; it is intended to be used in conjunction with
the relevant product standard, IEC 61009-2-1 or IEC 61009-2-2.
