The requirements of this standard apply to residual current operated protective devices (hereinafter referred to as “residual current devices” (RCD)) for rated voltages not exceeding 440 V a.c., intended primarily for protection against shock hazard. They are intended to be used by technical committees and relevant organizations when drafting product standards and apply only if they are incorporated or are referred to in the relevant standards. This standard is not intended to be used as a stand-alone standard, for example, for certification.
Note 1: This standard may also be used as a guide for residual current devices of rated voltages up to 1 200 V, a.c., the performance of which shall be determined through negotiation between the manufacturer and the user when the standard for relevant products are prepared.
It applies to
——a single device which detects a residual current (see 3.3.2), compares it to a reference value (see 3.3.3) and opens the protected circuit when the residual current exceeds this reference value (see 3.3.4);
——an association of devices, each one of them performing separately one or two of the above-mentioned functions, but acting together in order to accomplish all three functions. Particular requirements may be necessary for devices intended for accomplishing only one or two of the above three functions.
Any standard for accessories, devices or equipment capable of completing only one or two of the above-mentioned three functions or failing to fully comply with all parts of this standard cannot be referred to as RCD standard, or refer to "RCD", either abbreviation or full name "residual current device". "RCD" shall not be marked on products of such accessories, devices or equipment or in their technical documents.
This standard applies for conditions as stated in Chapter 7. For other conditions, additional requirements may be necessary.
Residual current devices are intended to protect persons and livestock against harmful effects of electric shock due to contact with exposed conductive parts by automatic disconnection of supply in accordance with GB/T 17045-2008 and GB/T 16895.21-2011.
Note 2: In this context “harmful effects” include the risk of occurrence of heart fibrillation.
In accordance with GB/T 16895.4-1997, residual current devices with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 300 mA may also be used to provide protection against fire hazards due to a persistent earth fault current.
In accordance with GB/T 16895.21-2011, residual current devices with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA may also be used for additional protection in case of failure of the basic protective provisions or carelessness of the user of the installation or equipment.
For residual current devices performing additional functions, this standard applies together with the relevant standard covering the additional functions; for example, when residual current devices incorporate a circuit-breaker it should comply with the relevant circuit-breaker standard.
Supplementary or particular requirements may be necessary, for example, for
——residual current devices intended for use by uninstructed persons;
——socket-outlets, plugs, adapters and couplers incorporating residual current devices.
This standard states
——the definitions and terms used for residual current devices (Chapter 3) ;
——the classification of residual current devices (Chapter 4);
——the characteristics of residual current devices (Chapter 5);
——the preferred values of the operating and influencing quantities (5.4);
——the marking and information to be provided for residual current devices (Chapter 6);
——the standard conditions for installation and operation in service (Chapter 7);
——the requirements for construction and operation (Chapter 8);
——the list of minimum requirements to be tested (Chapter 9).
Note 3: Devices having a residual current function for specific purposes other than those mentioned above (for example, motor protection) are not covered by this standard.
2 Normative References
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
GB/T 156-2007 Standard Voltages (IEC 60038: 2002, MOD)
GB/T 2900.8-2009 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary C Insulators (IEC 60050-471: 2007, IDT)
GB/T 2900.25-2008 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary C Rotating Machines (IEC 60050-411: 1996, IDT)
GB/T 2900.35-2008 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary C Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Atmospheres (IEC 60050-426: 2008, IDT)
GB/T 2900.70-2008 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary C Electrical Accessories (IEC 60050-442: 1998, IDT)
GB/T 13140.1-2008 Connecting Devices for Low-voltage Circuits for Household and Similar Purposes C Part 1: General Requirements (IEC 60998-1: 2002, IDT)
GB/T 16895.4-1997 Electrical Installations of Buildings C Part 5: Selection and Erection of Electrical Equipment C Chapter 53: Switching and Control (IEC 60364-5-53: 1994, IDT)
GB/T 16895.21-2011 Low-voltage Electrical Installations C Part 4-41: Protection for Safety C Protection Against Electric Shock (IEC 60364-4-41: 2005, IDT)
GB/T 17045-2008 Protection against Electric Shock C Common Aspects for Installation and Equipment (IEC 61140: 2001, IDT)
IEC 60050-441: 1984 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Part 441: Switchgear, Controlgear and Fuses
3 Terms and Definitions
For the purposes of this document, definitions given in GB/T 2900.8-2009, GB/T 2900.25-2008, GB/T 2900.35-2008, GB/T 2900.70-2008 and IEC 60050-441: 1984, as well as the following, apply.
3.1 Definitions relating to currents flowing from live parts to earth
3.1.1
earth fault current
current flowing to earth due to an insulation fault
3.1.2
earth leakage current
current flowing from the live parts of the installation to earth in the absence of an insulation fault
