BS EN 61008-1:2004 Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs) - Part 1: General rules
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.
RCCBs within the scope of this standard are intended for used in an environment pollution
degree 2. They are suitable for isolation.
Devices to this standard are suitable for use in IT systems if the requirements of the
installation rules are met. ?
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 60364-4-443).
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 the S type are considered to be sufficient proof against unwanted tripping even if
the surge voltage causes a flashover and a follow-on current occurs.
It also contains the details relative to test requirements and methods of testing necessary to
ensure reproducibility of test results.
This standard states
a) the characteristics of RCCBs,
b) the conditions with which RCCBs shall comply, with reference to
1) their operation and behaviour in normal service,
2) their operation and behaviour in case of short-circuits,
3) their operation under residual current conditions,
4) their dielectric properties,
5) EMC,
c) the tests intended for confirming that these conditions have been met and the methods to
be adopted for the tests,
d) the data to be marked on the devices,
e) the test sequences to be carried out and the number of samples to be submitted for
certification purposes (see Annex A),
f) the routine tests to be carried out on each RCCB to reveal unacceptable variations in
material or manufacture, likely to affect safety (see Annex D)
BS EN 61008-1:2004 history
2006BS EN 61008-1:2004+A13:2012 Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCB's). General rules
2013BS EN 61008-1:2012 Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs). General rules
2006BS EN 61008-1:2004+A12:2009 Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCB's). General rules
2006BS EN 61008-1:2004 Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs) - Part 1: General rules
1995BS EN 61008-1:1995 Specification for residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs) - General rules
1983BS 4293:1983 Specification for residual current-operated circuit-breakers