BS EN 61009-1:2012+A12:2016

What is BS EN 61009-1‒ Residual current operated circuit-breakers about? 

BS EN 61009-1 is the first part of an international multi-series standard that covers guidelines for residual current operated circuit-breakers. 

BS EN 61009-1 includes definitions, requirements, and tests covering all types of residual current operated circuit-breakers. It 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 (RCBOs).  

It is used for rated voltages not exceeding 440 V AC and rated currents not exceeding 125A for fixed installations and rated short-circuit capacities not exceeding 25000A. 

BS EN 61009-1 applies to devices performing the function of detecting the residual current, comparing the value of this current with the residual operating value and the opening of the protected circuit when the residual current exceeds this value, simultaneously. It also performs the function of making, carrying, and breaking over-currents under specified conditions.  

Note 1: BS EN 61009-1 does not apply to RCBOs intended to protect motors, and RCBOs, the current setting of which is adjustable by means accessible to the user in normal service. 

Note 2: RCBOs including batteries are not covered by BS EN 61009-1. 

Who is BS EN 61009-1‒ Residual current operated circuit-breakers for? 

BS EN 61009-1 on residual current operated circuit-breakers is useful for: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of RCBOs   
• Dealers and distributors of RCBOs 
• Designers of RCBOs 
• Test/ service providers for RCBOs 

Why should you use BS EN 61009-1‒ Residual current operated circuit-breakers? 

A residual current operated circuit-breaker is a mechanical switching device designed to make, carry, and break currents under normal service conditions and to cause the opening of the contacts when the residual current attains a given value under specified conditions. 

BS EN 61009-1 lays down technicalities like terms, requirements, and test methods for residual current operated circuit-breaker applied to various electrical equipment, to provide you with a high degree of protection. It sets the provisions for testing the RCBOs, to enhance their quality and highly efficient performance, to protect you against indirect contact, as well as to protect against over-currents in the wiring installations of buildings and similar applications.  

BS EN 61009-1 gives you protective measures against earth fault currents, by specifying the requirements for construction and operation and various test methods. Users can ensure safety against the exposed conductive parts of the installation being connected to an appropriate earth electrode and fire hazards due to a persistent earth fault current, without the operation of the overcurrent protective device. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 61009-1:2012+A12:2016 supersedes BS EN 61009-1:2012+A11:2015, which is withdrawn. BS EN 61009-1:2012+A12:2016 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:  

• Complete revision of EMC sequences, including the new test T.2.6, already approved in IEC 61543, clarification of RCDs current/time characteristics reported in Tables 2 and 3 
• Revision of test procedure for In between 5 A and 200 A; tests for the use of RCBOs in IT systems, testing procedure regarding the 6mA DC current superimposed to the fault current 
• Improvement highlighting RCDs with multiple sensitivity, some alignments with IEC 60898-1