IEC 62873-3-2:2020

Overview - IEC 62873-3-2:2020 (RCDs with flat quick‑connect terminations)

IEC 62873-3-2:2020 is the second edition of an IEC standard that defines particular requirements for residual current operated circuit‑breakers (RCDs) and other devices fitted with flat quick‑connect terminations. It covers devices that use a male tab (nominal 6.3 mm × 0.8 mm) and mating female connector for copper conductors, intended for rated currents up to and including 16 A. This edition (2020) replaces the 2016 edition and expands the scope so the document can be referenced by other product standards in addition to RCD standards.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Terminal geometry and materials
  • Male tab nominal dimensions: 6.3 mm width × 0.8 mm thickness; mandatory dimensional parameters are specified and illustrated.
  • Materials must provide adequate mechanical strength, electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance (e.g., silver‑ or tin‑plated copper alloys recommended).
• Permitted conductor types
  • Flexible copper conductors up to 4 mm², rigid‑stranded up to 2.5 mm² (AWG ≥ 12).
  • Example colour codes for insulated female connectors tied to conductor cross‑sections (e.g., 1 mm² / AWG 18 - red; 1.5 mm² / AWG 16 - red/blue; 2.5 mm² / AWG 14 - blue/yellow; 4 mm² / AWG 12 - yellow).
• Construction and marking
  • Manufacturer’s instructions must state connector type, conductor cross‑sections and colour coding, and plating requirements.
  • The standard supplements marking and information requirements of the referenced product standard (IEC 61008‑1 / IEC 61009‑1).
• Tests and verification
  • Mechanical overload/retention force tests (Clause 9.2) to ensure tabs remain securely retained.
  • Temperature‑rise measurement and other electrical/mechanical tests (Clause 9.3 and Clause 9.1 modifications).
  • Dimensional compliance verified by inspection and measurement.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of RCDs, RCBOs and other household/ similar protective devices that incorporate flat quick‑connect terminations.
• Product standards authors and design engineers referencing terminal requirements to ensure interoperability and safety.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing retention, temperature‑rise and dimensional tests for compliance.
• Specifiers, installers and procurement teams verifying that devices accept the correct female connectors and conductor sizes.

Related standards

• IEC 61008‑1 (RCCBs) and IEC 61009‑1 (RCBOs) - product standards to be used together with IEC 62873‑3‑2.
• IEC 61210 - safety requirements for flat quick‑connect terminations.
• IEC 62873‑2 - vocabulary for RCD products.

This standard is essential when designing, testing or specifying RCDs with flat quick‑connect terminations to ensure safe, reliable electrical connections and regulatory compliance.