Description of 26/30554958 DC 2026

This document gives general requirements and tests for residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (hereafter referred to as RCBOs), for rated operational voltages not exceeding 440 V AC, with rated frequencies of 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz and rated currents not exceeding 125 A and rated short-circuit capacities not exceeding 25 000 A. RCBOs are intended to provide fault protection (previously referred to as protection against indirect contact), the exposed conductive parts of the installation being connected to an appropriate earth electrode. These devices are also intended to protect against overcurrents in the wiring installations of buildings and similar applications. They are also intended to be used to provide protection against fire hazards due to a persistent earth fault current. RCBOs having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA are used for fault protection and additional protection in the case of failure of the protective provisions against electric shock. This document applies to RCBOs 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. These devices also perform the function of making, carrying and breaking overcurrents under specified conditions. RCBOs are intended to be operated by ordinary or uninstructed persons and designed not to require maintenance. The requirements of this document apply for standard conditions (see 7.1). Additional requirements can be necessary for RCBOs used in locations which have severe environmental conditions. RCBOs within the scope of this document are intended for use in an environment with pollution degree 2 (see 7.3). RCBOs are suitable for isolation. Special precautions (e.g. surge protective devices) can 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 and IEC 60364-5-53). RCBOs, with the exception of those with an uninterrupted neutral, are suitable for use in IT systems. RCBOs of the general type are resistant to current surges, 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 type S are considered to be sufficiently resistant against unwanted tripping even if the surge voltage causes a flashover and a follow-on current occurs. This document also applies to RCBOs obtained by the assembly of an adaptable residual current device with a circuit-breaker. The mechanical assembly is intended to be effected in the factory by the manufacturer, or on site, in which case the requirements of Annex G apply. It also applies to RCBOs 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. Particular requirements are necessary for RCBOs intended to be used at frequencies other than 50 Hz or 60 Hz. For RCBOs incorporated in, or intended for association with socket-outlets only, the requirements of this document can be used, as far as applicable, in conjunction with the requirements of IEC 60884-1 or the national requirements of the country where the product is placed on the market. This document does not apply to: ....

Standard Number	26/30554958 DC
Title	BS EN IEC 61009-1:2026/prAA Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs) - Part 1: General rules
Status	Definitive
Publication Date	2026-01-30
Identical National Standard Of	EN 61009-1:2026/prAA:2026
Committee	PH/23
Publisher	BSI
Pages	34

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