Comitato Elettrotecnico Italiano

Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs) Part 1: General rules
 N EN 61008-1

Annotation

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. 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.