CEI EN 62606

BILINGUAL

This International Standard applies to arc fault detection
devices (AFDD) for household and similar uses in a.c. circuits.

An AFDD is designed by the manufacturer: 

– either as a single device having opening means able to open
the protected circuit in specified conditions; or

– as a single device integrating a protective device; or

– as a separate unit, according to Annex D assembled on site
with a declared protective device.

The integrated protection device is either a circuit-breaker in
accordance with IEC 60898-1 or an RCD in accordance with IEC
61008-1, IEC 61009-1 or IEC 62423.

These devices are intended to mitigate the risk of fire in final
circuits of a fixed installation due to the effect of arc fault
currents that pose a risk of fire ignition under certain conditions
if the arcing persists.

Protection against fire ignition due to overvoltage due to a
broken neutral within a three phase installation to be included in
this type of equipment as an additional option is under
consideration in 9.22.

NOTE 1 Tracking current leads to arcing and therefore may ignite
fire.

This International Standard applies to devices performing
simultaneously the detection and discrimination of arcing current
with regards to fire hazards and defines operating criteria under
specified conditions for the opening of the circuit when the arcing
current exceeds the limit values given in this standard.

AFDDs complying with this standard, with the exception of those
with an uninterrupted neutral, are suitable for use in IT
systems.

The maximum rated voltage is 240 V a.c. AFDDs, according to this
standard, are supplied either between line and neutral or between
two lines.

The maximum rated current (I_n) is 63 A
a.c.

AFDDs energised from batteries or a circuit other than the
protected circuit are not covered by this standard.

AFDDs provide isolation, they are intended to be operated by
uninstructed persons and do not require maintenance.

Particular requirements may be necessary for:

– AFDDs incorporated in or intended only for association with
plugs and socket-outlets or with appliance couplers for household
or similar general purposes; 

– AFDDs intended to be used at frequencies other than 50 Hz or
60 Hz.

NOTE 2 For AFDDs incorporated in, or intended only for
socket-outlets the requirements of this standard 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 3 In the UK, the plug part and the socket-outlet part(s)
need not comply with any IEC 60884-1 requirements. In the UK, the
plug part shall comply with BS 1363-1 and the socket-outlet part(s)
shall comply with BS 1363-2.

Special precautions (e.g. surge protective devices) may be
necessary when excessive overvoltages are likely to occur on the
supply side.

The requirements of this standard apply for standard conditions
of temperature and environment. They are applicable to AFDDs
intended for use in an environment with pollution degree 2.
Additional requirements may be necessary for devices used in
locations having more severe environmental conditions.