1 Scope
This Part of GB 16916 specifies the terms and definitions, technical requirements and tests for various types of RCCBs.
This Part 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 AC frequencies of 50Hz, 60Hz or 50/60 Hz, rated voltages not exceeding 440V and rated currents not exceeding 125A.
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 30mA are also used as a means for additional protection in case of failure of the protective means against electric shock.
This Part 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 GB/Z 6829. 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 GB 16895 series.
RCCBs are intended for use in an environment with pollution degree 2.
They are suitable for isolation.
RCCBs complying with this Part 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 GB 16895.12).
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 GB 16917.1);
——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 or 60Hz.
For RCCBs incorporated in, or intended only for association with socket-outlets, the requirements of this Part may be used, as far as applicable, in conjunction or the national requirements for socket outlets of the country where the product is placed on the market.
Note 5: RCCBs incorporated in, or intended only for association with socket-outlets, can either meet GB 28527-2012 or this Part.
The requirements of this Part 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 Part.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this standard. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
GB 2099.1 Plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes—Part 1: General requirements (GB 2099.1-2008, IEC 60884-1: 2006, MOD)
GB/T 2423.4-2008 Environmental testing for electric and electronic products—Part 2: Test method—Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic (12h+12h cycle) (IEC 60068-2-30: 2005, IDT)
GB/T 2424.2 Environment tests for electric and electronic products—Guidance for damp heat tests (GB/T 2424.2-2005, IEC 60068-3-4: 2001, IDT)
GB 4208 Degrees of protection provided by enclosure (IP code) (GB 4208-2008, IEC 60529: 2001, IDT)
GB 4343.1 Electromagnetic compatibility requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus—Part 1: Emission (GB 4343.1-2009, IEC/CISPR 14-1: 2005, IDT)
GB/T 5169.10 Fire hazard testing for electric and electronic products—Part 10: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods—Glow-wire apparatus and common test procedure (GB/T 5169.10-2006, IEC 60695-2-10: 2000, IDT)
GB/T 5169.11-2006 Fire hazard testing for electric and electronic products—Part 11: Glowing/hot-wire based test methods—Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products (GWEPT) (IEC 60695-2-11: 2000, IDT)
GB/T 5465.2 Graphical symbols for use on electrical equipment—Part 2: Graphical symbols (GB/T 5465.2-2008, IEC 60417 DB: 2007, IDT)
GB 16895 (All parts) Electrical installations of buildings [IEC 60364 (All parts)]
GB 16917.1 Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBO)—Part 1: General rules (GB 16917.1-2003, IEC 61009-1: 1996, MOD)
GB/T 16927.1 High-voltage test techniques—Part 1: General definitions and test requirements (GB/T 16927.1-2011, IEC 60060-1: 2006, MOD)
GB/T 16927.2 High-voltage test techniques—Part 2: Measuring systems (GB/T 16927.2-2013, IEC 60060-2: 2010, MOD)
GB/T 16935.1-2008 Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems—Part 1: Principles requirements and tests (IEC 60664-1: 2007, IDT)
GB/T 16935.3-2005 Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems—Part 3: Use of coating, potting or moulding for protection against pollution (IEC 60664-3: 2003, IDT)
GB 18499-2008 Residual current operated protective devices (RCD) for household and similar use—Electromagnetic compatibility (IEC 61543: 1995 + A1: 2004 + A2: 2005, IDT)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
Where the terms "voltage" or "current" are used, they imply r.m.s. values, unless otherwise specified.
Note: For a glossary of symbols see Annex F.
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
3.1.3
pulsating direct current
current of pulsating wave form which assumes, in each period of the rated power frequency, the value 0 or a value not exceeding 0.006A d.c. during one single interval of time, expressed in angular measure, of at least 150°
3.1.4
current delay angle
α
time, expressed in angular measure, by which the starting instant of current conduction is delayed by phase control
3.2 Definitions relating to the energization of a residual current circuit-breaker
3.2.1
energizing quantity
electrical excitation quantity which alone, or in combination with other such quantities, shall be applied to a RCCB to enable it to accomplish its function under specified conditions
3.2.2
energizing input-quantity
energizing quantity by which the RCCB is activated when it is applied under specified conditions
Note: These conditions that may involve, for example, the energizing of certain auxiliary elements.
3.2.3
residual current
I
vector sum of the instantaneous values of the current flowing in the main circuit of the RCCB (expressed as r.m.s. value)
3.2.4
residual operating current
value of residual current which causes the RCCB to operate under specified conditions
3.2.5
residual non-operating current
value of residual current at which and below which the RCCB does not operate under specified conditions
3.3 Definitions relating to the operation and functions of residual current circuit-breakers
3.3.1
residual current operated circuit-breaker
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
3.3.2
residual current operated circuit-breaker without integral overcurrent protection
RCCB
residual current operated circuit-breaker not designed to perform the functions of protection against overloads and/or short-circuits
Foreword i
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
3.1 Definitions relating to currents flowing from live parts to earth
3.2 Definitions relating to the energization of a residual current circuit-breaker
3.3 Definitions relating to the operation and functions of residual current circuit-breakers
3.4 Definitions relating to values and ranges of energizing quantities
3.5 Definitions relating to values and ranges of influencing quantities
3.6 Definitions relating to terminals
3.7 Definitions relating to conditions of operation
3.8 Definitions relating to tests
3.9 Definitions relating to insulation coordination
4 Classification
4.1 According to the method of operation
4.2 According to the type of device
4.3 According to the number of poles and the number of current paths
4.4 According to the possibility of adjusting residual operating current
4.5 According to resistance to unwanted tripping due to voltage surges
4.6 According to behavior in presence of d.c. components
4.7 According to time-delay (in presence of a residual current)
4.8 According to the protection against external influences
4.9 According to the method of mounting
4.10 According to the method of connection
4.11 According to the type of terminals
5 Characteristics of RCCBs
5.1 Summary of characteristics
5.2 Rated quantities and other characteristics
5.3 Standard and preferred values
5.4 Coordination with short-circuit protective devices (SCPDs)
6 Marking and other product information
7 Standard conditions for operation in service and for installation
7.1 Standard conditions
7.2 Conditions of installation
7.3 Pollution degree
8 Requirements for construction and operation
8.1 Mechanical design
8.2 Protection against electric shock
8.3 Dielectric properties and isolating capability
8.4 Temperature-rise
8.5 Operating characteristic
8.6 Mechanical and electrical endurance
8.7 Performance at short-circuit currents
8.8 Resistance to mechanical shock and impact
8.9 Resistance to heat
8.10 Resistance to abnormal heat and to fire
8.11 Test device
8.12 Requirements for RCCBs functionally dependent on line voltage
8.13 Behavior of RCCBs in case of overcurrents in the main circuit
8.14 Behavior of RCCBs in the case of current surges caused by impulse voltages
8.15 Behavior of RCCBs in case of earth fault currents comprising a d.c. component
8.16 Reliability
8.17 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
9 Test
9.1 General
9.2 Test conditions
9.3 Test of indelibility of marking
9.4 Test of reliability of screws, current-carrying parts and connections
9.5 Tests of reliability of screw-type terminals for external copper conductors
9.6 Verification of protection against electric shock
9.7 Test of dielectric properties
9.8 Test of temperature rise
9.9 Verification of the operating characteristics
9.10 Verification of mechanical and electrical service life
9.11 Verification of the behavior of the RCCB under short-circuit conditions
9.12 Verification of resistance to mechanical shock and impact
9.13 Heat resistance test
9.14 Abnormal heat resistance and flame resistance test
9.15 Verification of the trip-free mechanism
9.16 Verification of the operation performance of the test device at the limiting value of rated voltage
9.17 Verification of the behavior of RCCBs functionally dependent on line voltage, classified under 4.1.2, in case of failure of the line voltage
9.18 Verification of limiting value of the non-operating current under overcurrent conditions
9.19 Verification of behavior of RCCBs in case of current surges caused by impulse voltages
9.20 Void
9.21 Verification of correct operation in case of residual current containing d.c. component
9.22 Reliability verification
9.23 Verification of aging resistance of electronic components
9.24 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
9.25 Rust resistance test
Annex A (Normative) Test procedure and number of samples to be submitted for certification test
Annex B (Normative) Determination of clearances and creepage distances
Annex C (normative) Device for the detection of the emission of ionized gases during short-circuit tests
Annex D (Normative) Routine tests
Annex E (Informative) Methods for determination of short-circuit power-factor
Annex F (Informative) Glossary of symbols
Annex G (Informative) Examples of terminal designs
Annex H (Informative) Comparison of ISO and AWG copper conductors
Annex I (Informative) Follow-up test procedure for RCCBs
Annex J (Informative) SCPDs for short-circuit tests
Annex K (Normative) Particular requirements for RCCBs with screwless type terminals for external copper conductors
Annex L (Normative) Particular requirements for RCCBs with flat quick-connect terminations
Annex M (Normative) Special requirements for RCCBs with screw-type terminals for external untreated aluminum conductors and aluminum screw-type terminals for copper or aluminum conductors
Bibliography
