IEC 63445:2025

Overview

IEC 63445:2025 - System referencing conductor switching device (SRCSD) defines safety, performance and testing requirements for SRCSDs used in household and similar Prosumer Electrical Installations (PEI). Published as Edition 1.0 (2025‑09), the standard covers single‑pole devices that switch a live conductor to an earthing arrangement to support intentional islanding (islandable PEI) and to manage unintentional loss of the distribution network. It implements the functions referenced in IEC 60364‑8‑82:2022 (clause 82.8.2.2.4) and is intended for use where local earthing must be switched for safe disconnection and reconnection.

Key Topics

• Scope & classification
  • Applicability to household/similar prosumer installations and islandable PEI
  • Classification by operation method, interlocking, isolation type, mounting and terminal type
• Electrical and mechanical characteristics
  • Rated cross‑section, rated leakage current, operational voltage and frequency
  • Rated short‑circuit capability (making and withstand), switching sequence and operation type
• Construction & safety requirements
  • Clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation
  • Terminals and connections, protection against electric shock, temperature‑rise limits
• Testing and verification
  • Dielectric, insulation resistance and impulse withstand tests
  • Mechanical and electrical endurance, short‑circuit tests, temperature and fire resistance
  • Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), climatic and ageing tests
• Product information & marking
  • Identification, classification and required markings for safe installation and certification
• Annexes
  • Normative test sequences and sample requirements, measurement of creepage/clearance, terminal examples

Applications

• Ensuring safe earthing switching in residential PV, battery and hybrid inverter systems operating in grid‑connected and islanded modes
• Enabling compliant islanding and reconnection procedures in prosumer installations
• Providing test and certification criteria for manufacturers and conformity assessment bodies

Who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of SRCSDs and earthing switching devices
• Designers and installers of prosumer electrical installations (household PV/battery systems)
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing product evaluation and type testing
• Utilities and regulators specifying safety and interconnection requirements

Related Standards

• IEC 60364‑8‑82:2022 (functions referenced for PEI earthing and switching)
• Other IEC standards for EMC, environmental testing and electrical safety referenced within IEC 63445

For acquisition and the latest corrigenda, obtain IEC 63445:2025 from the IEC webstore (products.iec.ch). Keywords: IEC 63445, SRCSD, system referencing conductor switching device, prosumer electrical installation, islandable PEI, earthing switching device, household PV safety, IEC standard.