Chapter 6 - Requirements of standards with reference to application of residual current devices

Abstract

Application of residual current devices in low-voltage electrical installations is regulated in particular by the multipart standard IEC/HD 60364 “Low-voltage electrical installations.” A review of the provisions of this standard leads to the conclusion that in many types of electrical circuits, mainly in special installations or locations according to the Part 7 of IEC/HD 60364, the use of residual current devices is obligatory. This chapter is a form of a review of the IEC/HD 60364 requirements regarding the obligatory use of residual current devices. The requirements included in consecutive parts of the aforementioned standard are presented and, in certain more complicated cases, commented. The review indicates that the most desired residual current devices have a rated residual operating current equal to 30mA. They are required especially as the additional protection, which protects in the case of careless use of electric equipment or in the case of special external influences, as, e.g., wet environment in bathrooms or in construction and demolition sites.