AS/NZS 61009.1:2004

Proposes the adoption of IEC 61009-1:2002 as a revision of AS/NZS 61009.1:1999. Contains essential safety and associated requirements for residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses, for rated voltages not exceeding 440 V a.c. and rated currents not exceeding 125 A and short-circuit capacities not exceeding 25 000 A for operation of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Annex ZZ lists variations for Australian and New Zealand conditions.

This International Standard 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 (hereafter referred to as RCBOs), for rated voltages not exceeding 440 V a.c., rated currents not exceeding 125 A and rated short-circuit capacities not exceeding 25 000 A for operation at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. These devices are intended to protect people against indirect contact, the exposed conductive parts of the installation being connected to an appropriate earth electrode and to protect against overcurrents the wiring installations of buildings and similar applications. 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. RCBOs having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA are also used as a means for additional protection in the case of failure of the protective means against electric shock. This standard applies to devices performing simultaneously the function 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, and also of performing the function of making, carrying and breaking overcurrents under specified conditions. NOTE 1 The content of the present standard related to the operation under residual current conditions is based on IEC 61008. The content of the present standard related to protection against overcurrents is based on IEC 60898. NOTE 2 RCBOs are essentially intended to be operated by uninstructed persons and designed not to require maintenance. They may be submitted for certification purposes. NOTE 3 Installation and application rules of RCBOs are given in IEC 60364. RCBOs 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. RCBOs of the S type are considered to be sufficiently proof against unwanted tripping even if the surge voltage causes a flashover and a follow-on current occurs. NOTE 4 Surge arresters installed downstream of the general type of RCBOs and connected in common mode may cause unwanted tripping. NOTE 5 RCBOs within the scope of the present standard are considered as suitable for isolation (see 8.1.3). 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 60364-4-443). NOTE 6 For RCBOs having a degree of protection higher than IP20 special constructions may be required. This standard also applies to RCBOs obtained by the assembly of an adaptable residualcurrent device with a circuit-breaker. The mechanical assembly shall be effected in the factoryby the manufacturer, or on site, in which case the requirements of annex G shall apply. It alsoapplies to RCBOs having more than one rated current, provided that the means for changingfrom one discrete rating to another is not accessible in normal service and that the ratingcannot be changed without the use of a tool.Supplementary requirements may be necessary for RCBOs of the plug-in type.Particular requirements are necessary for RCBOs incorporated in or intended only forassociation with plugs and socket-outlets or with appliance couplers for household and similargeneral purposes.NOTE 7 For the time being, for RCBOs incorporated in, or intended only for plugs and socket-outlets, therequirements of this standard in conjunction with the requirements of IEC 600884-1 may be used, as far asapplicable.This standard does not apply to:– RCBOs intended to protect motors,– RCBOs the current setting of which is adjustable by means accessible to the user innormal service.The requirements of this standard apply for normal environmental conditions (see 7.1).Additional requirements may be necessary for RCBOs used in locations having severeenvironmental conditions.RCBOs including batteries are not covered by this standard.A guide for the co-ordination of RCBOs with fuses is given in annex F.

First published in part as part of AS C111-1938.
Redated 1946.
Second edition 1951.
Third edition 1956.
Fourth edition 1968.
Revised and redesignated AS 3111-1974.
AS 3190 first published 1974.
Second edition AS 3111-1980.
Second edition AS 3190-1980.
Third edition AS 3111-1983.
Third edition AS 3190-1983.
Fourth edition AS 3190-1990.
Fifth edition 1994.
Fourth edition AS 3111-1994.
AS 3111-1994 and AS 3190-1994 jointly revised, amalgamated and redesignated in part as AS/NZS 61009.1:1999.
Second edition 2004.