BS EN 60898-1:2019

What is BS EN 60898‑1 ‒ Circuit-breakers for a. c. operation about?  

BS EN 60898‑1 is the first part of the multi-series standard that deals with electrical accessories such as circuit breakers. 

BS EN 60898‑1 applies to a. c. air-break circuit-breakers for operation at 50 Hz, 60 Hz, or 50/60 Hz, having a rated voltage not exceeding 440 V (between phases), a rated current not exceeding 125 A and a rated short-circuit capacity not exceeding 25000 A.

BS EN 60898‑1 specifies the characteristics of circuit-breakers, conditions, their operation, and behaviour in normal service, in case of overload and in case of short-circuits up to their rated short-circuit capacity. It also includes the tests methods confirming these conditions and the routine tests to be carried out.

BS EN 60898‑1 also applies to circuit-breakers having more than one rated current, provided that the means for changing from one discrete rating to another is not accessible in normal service and that the rating cannot be changed without the use of a tool.

Note: BS EN 60898‑1 does not cover: 

• Circuit-breakers intended to protect motors
• Circuit-breakers, the current setting of which is adjustable by means accessible to the user.
• To circuit-breakers for both a. c. and d. c. operation
• to circuit-breakers which incorporate residual current tripping devices 

Who is BS EN 60898‑1 ‒ Circuit-breakers for a. c. operation for?  

BS EN 60898‑1 on circuit-breakers for a. c. operation is for: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of circuit-breakers, such as MCBs etc 

Why should you use BS EN 60898‑1 -Circuit-breakers for a. c. operation?  

A circuit breaker is an automated operating electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage, caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after an excess current condition is detected. These circuit-breakers are intended for the protection against over-currents of wiring installations of buildings and similar applications.

BS EN 60898‑1 provides guidance for over-current device coordination under short-circuit conditions between a circuit-breaker and other short-circuit protective devices (SCPDs). Thus minimising ‘nuisance’  tripping.

BS EN 60898‑1 helps you ensure compliance with the operational characteristics required for circuit breakers by type tests. It also contains the details related to the test requirements and methods of testing necessary to ensure reproducibility of test results.

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 60898‑1:2019 supersedes BS EN 60898‑1:2003+A13:2012, which will be withdrawn. BS EN 60898‑1:2019 includes the following significant technical changes:  

• Revision of 9.5 Terminals 
• Revision of the test of glow wire 
• Simplification of the figures for short circuit tests