Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs) - General rules

Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs) - General rules

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1   Scope and object

This International Standard applies to residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection functionally independent of, or functionally dependent on, line voltage for household and similar uses (hereafter referred to as RCBOs), for rated voltages not exceeding 440 V a.c., rated currents not exceeding 125 A for fixed installation and rated short-circuit capacities not exceeding 25 000 A for operation at 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
These devices are intended to protect people against indirect contact, the exposed conductive parts of the installation being connected to an appropriate earth electrode and to protect against overcurrents the wiring installations of buildings and similar applications. 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.
RCBOs having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA are also used as a means for additional protection in the case of failure of the protective means against electric shock.
This standard applies to devices performing simultaneously the function 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, and also of performing the function of making, carrying and breaking overcurrents under specified conditions.
These devices are intended for use in an environment with pollution degree 2.

NOTE 1 For environment with higher pollution degree, enclosures giving the appropriate degree of protection should be used.

RCBOs within the scope of the present standard are suitable for isolation.
Devices to this standard, are suitable for use in IT systems provided that the requirements of HD 384.4.473 are complied with.

NOTE 2 The content of the present standard related to the operation under residual current conditions is based on EN 61008. The content of the present standard related to protection against overcurrents is based on EN 60898.

NOTE 3 RCBOs are essentially intended to be operated by uninstructed persons and designed not to require maintenance. They may be submitted for certification purposes.

NOTE 4 Installation and application rules of RCBOs are given in HD 384.

NOTE 5 Recommendations for the dimensional coordination between enclosures and RCBOs for mounting on rail according to EN 60715 or equivalent means are given in CENELEC Report R023-001.

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

NOTE 6 For more severe overvoltage conditions, RCBOs complying with other standards (e.g. EN 60947‑2) should be used.

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 HD 384.4.443).

NOTE 7 For RCBOs having a degree of protection higher than IP20 special constructions may be required.

This standard also applies to RCBOs obtained by the assembly of an adaptable residual current device with a circuit-breaker. The mechanical assembly shall be effected in the factory by the manufacturer, or on site, in which case the requirements of Annex G shall apply.
Supplementary requirements may be necessary for RCBOs of the plug-in type.
Particular requirements are necessary for RCBOs integrated in one unit with a socket-outlet or designed exclusively for being associated locally with a socket-outlet in the same mounting box.

NOTE 8 Until a specific EN for SRCDs is prepared and approved, for RCBOs integrated in one unit with a socket-outlet or designed exclusively for being associated locally with a socket-outlet in the same mounting box the requirements of this standard in conjunction with those of IEC 60884‑1 may be used as far as applicable.

This standard does not apply to:
  • − RCBOs intended to protect motors,
  • − RCBOs the current setting of which is adjustable by means accessible to the user in normal service,
  • − RCBOs having more than one rated current.
The requirements of this standard apply for normal environmental conditions (see 7.1). Additional requirements may be necessary for RCBOs used in locations having severe environmental conditions.
RCBOs including batteries are not covered by this standard.
A guide for the co-ordination under short-circuit conditions between a RCBO and another short-circuit protective device (SCPDs) is given in Annex F.
This standard contains all requirements necessary to ensure compliance with the operational characteristics required for these devices by type tests.
It also contains the details relative to test requirements and methods of testing necessary to ensure reproducibility of test results.
This standard states:
  1. a) the characteristics of RCBOs;
  2. b) the conditions with which RCBOs shall comply, with reference to:
    1. 1) their operation and behaviour in normal service,
    2. 2) their operation and behaviour in case of overload,
    3. 3) their operation and behaviour in case of short-circuits up to their rated short-circuit capacity,
    4. 4) their operation under residual current conditions,
    5. 5) EMC,
    6. 6) their dielectric properties;
  1. c) the tests intended for confirming that these conditions have been met and the methods to be adopted for the tests;
  2. d) the data to be marked on the devices;
  3. e) the test sequences to be carried out and the number of samples to be submitted for certification purposes (see Annex A);
  4. f) the co-ordination under short-circuit conditions with another short-circuit protective device (SCPD) associated in the same circuit (see Annex F);
  5. g) the routine tests to be carried out on each RCBO to reveal unacceptable variations in material or manufacture, likely to affect safety (see Annex D).