CEI EN 61008-1

BILINGUAL

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.

They are intended for use in an environment with pollution
degree 2 and overvoltage category III.

They are suitable for isolation.

RCCBs complying with this standard are suitable for use in IT
systems.

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
60364-4-44).

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 type S are considered to be sufficient proof against
unwanted tripping even if the surge voltage causes a flashover and
a follow-on current occurs.

NOTE 3 Surge arresters installed downstream of the general type
of RCCBs and connected in common mode may cause unwanted
tripping.

NOTE 4 For RCCBs having a degree of protection higher than IP20
special constructions may be required.

Particular requirements are necessary for

– residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral
overcurrent protection (see IEC 61009-1);

– RCCBs integrated in one unit with a socket-outlet or designed
exclusively for being associated locally with a socket-outlet in
the same mounting box;

– RCCBs intended to be used at frequencies other than 50 Hz.

For RCCBs incorporated in, or intended only for association with
socket-outlets, the requirements of this standard may be used in
conjunction with the requirements of IEC 60884-1 or national
requirements of the country where the product is placed on the
market.

The requirements of this standard apply for normal environmental
conditions (see 7.1). Additional requirements may be necessary for
RCCBs used in locations having severe environmental conditions.

RCCBs including batteries are not covered by this standard.