BS EN 61008-1:2012+A12:2017: The Essential Standard for RCCBs

Introducing the BS EN 61008-1:2012+A12:2017, a comprehensive standard that sets the benchmark for Residual Current Operated Circuit-Breakers (RCCBs) without integral overcurrent protection, specifically designed for household and similar applications. This standard is an indispensable resource for professionals in the electrical industry, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency in electrical installations.

Overview of BS EN 61008-1:2012+A12:2017

The BS EN 61008-1:2012+A12:2017 standard provides detailed guidelines and general rules for the design, construction, and performance of RCCBs. These devices are crucial for protecting electrical circuits by detecting and interrupting residual currents, thereby preventing electric shocks and potential fire hazards. This standard is a must-have for manufacturers, electrical engineers, and safety inspectors who are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards in electrical systems.

Key Features and Benefits

• Comprehensive Coverage: Spanning over 170 pages, this standard offers an in-depth exploration of RCCBs, covering all essential aspects from design to application.
• Up-to-Date Information: Released on April 30, 2017, this standard incorporates the latest amendments and updates, ensuring that users have access to the most current and relevant information.
• International Recognition: As a part of the BS EN series, this standard is recognized and respected globally, making it a valuable asset for international projects and collaborations.
• Enhanced Safety: By adhering to the guidelines set forth in this standard, users can significantly enhance the safety of electrical installations, reducing the risk of accidents and equipment damage.

Technical Specifications

The BS EN 61008-1:2012+A12:2017 standard is identified by the following technical specifications:

• Standard Number: BS EN 61008-1:2012+A12:2017
• Pages: 170
• Release Date: April 30, 2017
• ISBN: 978 0 580 98107 4
• Status: Standard

Why Choose BS EN 61008-1:2012+A12:2017?

Choosing the BS EN 61008-1:2012+A12:2017 standard means opting for a document that is meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Here are some reasons why this standard is an essential tool for your electrical projects:

• Expertly Developed: This standard is developed by leading experts in the field, ensuring that it reflects the latest technological advancements and industry best practices.
• Comprehensive Guidance: It provides detailed guidance on the selection, installation, and maintenance of RCCBs, helping users to implement effective safety measures.
• Cost-Effective: By preventing electrical faults and reducing the risk of damage, this standard can help save costs associated with repairs and downtime.
• Compliance Assurance: Adhering to this standard ensures compliance with national and international regulations, facilitating smoother project approvals and certifications.

Applications of RCCBs

RCCBs are widely used in various applications to enhance electrical safety. Some of the common applications include:

• Residential Buildings: Protecting household electrical circuits from residual currents, ensuring the safety of occupants.
• Commercial Establishments: Safeguarding electrical systems in offices, retail spaces, and other commercial environments.
• Industrial Facilities: Enhancing the safety of electrical installations in factories and industrial plants.
• Public Infrastructure: Ensuring the safety of electrical systems in public buildings, schools, and hospitals.

Conclusion

The BS EN 61008-1:2012+A12:2017 standard is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. By providing clear and comprehensive guidelines, it helps ensure the safety and reliability of electrical installations, protecting both people and property from the dangers of electrical faults. Invest in this standard today to enhance your knowledge and expertise in electrical safety, and to ensure that your projects meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.

BS EN 61008-1:2012+A12:2017

• 29.120.50 Fuses and other overcurrent protection devices

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. text deleted 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 text deleted 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, as far as applicable, in conjunction Text deleted or the national requirements for socket outlets of the country where the product is placed on the market.

NOTES 5 RCCBs incorporated in, or intended only for association with socket-outlets, can either meet IEC 62640 or this standard.

text deleted

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.