IEC 61009-1:2024

Overview

IEC 61009-1:2024 - Residual current operated circuit‑breakers with integral overcurrent protection (RCBOs) - Part 1: General rules, is the 4th edition international standard that defines general requirements and mandatory tests for RCBOs for household and similar uses. It applies to devices with rated operational voltages up to 440 V AC, rated frequencies 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz, rated currents up to 125 A, and rated short‑circuit capacities up to 25 000 A. This edition supersedes the 2010 edition and its amendments and constitutes a technical revision with harmonization and new test requirements.

Key Topics and Requirements

The standard establishes construction, performance and testing rules for RCBOs, covering:

• Classification and rated values
  • Classification according to supply conditions, number of poles/current paths and adjustable residual operating current.
  • Rated voltages, rated currents (In ≤ 125 A), rated frequency and rated short‑circuit capacity (Icn ≤ 25 000 A).
• Construction and safety
  • Mechanical design, terminals (including screwless and flat‑quick), clearances and creepage, and protection against electric shock.
• Electrical performance
  • Operating characteristics for residual currents, overcurrent response, temperature‑rise limits and mechanical/electrical endurance.
• Dielectric and transient requirements
  • Improved dielectric property tests (Subclause 9.7) and resistance to temporary overvoltages (TOV) (new Subclauses 8.17 and 9.24).
• Short‑circuit and making/breaking capability
  • Tests for short‑circuit behaviour, verification of I²t and peak current, and rated residual making and breaking capacity (IΔm).
• Reliability and environmental robustness
  • Resistance to mechanical shock/impact, heat, fire behaviour, EMC and marking/installation conditions.
• Harmonization and references
  • Harmonized clause structure, tables and figures with IEC 61008 and IEC 60755 using a blocks/modules approach; terms and definitions now referenced to IEC 62873-2; terminal and conductor tests referenced to IEC 62873-3.

Applications and Who Uses This Standard

IEC 61009-1:2024 is essential for:

• RCBO manufacturers designing products for household and similar applications.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing compliance testing and type approval.
• Electrical safety engineers and product designers specifying protective devices in distribution boards.
• Specifiers, utilities and regulators referencing internationally harmonized safety and performance criteria.
• Installers and OEMs selecting compliant RCBOs for residential and light commercial applications.

Related Standards

• IEC 61008 (residual current circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection)
• IEC 60755 (series related requirements)
• IEC 62873-2 (terms and definitions)
• IEC 62873-3 (terminal and conductor tests)

Keywords: IEC 61009-1:2024, RCBOs, residual current operated circuit-breaker, overcurrent protection, TOV, dielectric tests, rated short‑circuit capacity, household electrical safety.