International Electrotechnical Commission

Electrical Accessories - Portable Residual Current Devices without Integral Overcurrent Protection for Household and Similar Use (PRCDs) - Edition 1.1 Consolidated Reprint
 N 61540

Annotation

This International Standard applies to portable devices for household and similar uses (hereafter referred to as portable residual current devices (PRCDs), consisting of a plug, a residual current device (RCD) and one or more socket-outlets or a provision for connection, functionally independent of, or functionally dependent on, line voltage. They do not incorporate overcurrent protection. They are intended for single-phase circuits for rated currents not exceeding 16 A for rated voltages not exceeding 250 V a.c., or for rated current not exceeding 32 A for rated voltages not exceeding 130 V a.c. to earth. They are intended to provide protection against shock hazard in case of direct contact, in addition to the protection provided by the fixed installations for the circuit downstream.

PRCDs have a rated residual operating current not exceeding 0,03 A.

They ensure tripping in case of residual alternating currents and residual pulsating direct currents, whether suddenly applied or slowly rising.

Plugs and socket-outlets will comply with the relevant standards.

This standard applies to portable 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.

They are not intended to be used as parts of fixed installations. Their connecting means may be plugs, socket-outlets, terminals or cords.