Voltage Dependent Residual Current Devices

1 RCD by Types of Operation

Voltage Independent RCD

Polarised Relay Construction (Left
top)
General Diagram (Left Bottom)

Voltage Dependent RCD

2 Defining RCD by Types of Operation in IEC 61008 and IEC 61009

2.1 Relevant IEC Standards on RCD
Standards having relevance (and referenced in this short report are)
(a) IEC 61008-1 (Edition 3.1, 2012) Residual current operated circuit-breakers without
integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCDs) General Rules
(b) IEC 61009-1 (Edition 3.1, 2012) Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral
overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs) General Rules
 Voltage Dependent Residual Current Devices

2.2 RCD By Types of Operation

Both standards (61008-1 and 61009-1) defined RCD by types of operation (clauses numbering
the same in both standards) as follows:
(a) Clause 4 RCCBs and RCBOs are classed by:
(1) Method of operation
(2) Method of installation
(3) Number of poles and current paths
(4) Possibility of adjusting residual operating current
(5) Resistance to unwanted tripping due voltage surges
(6) Behaviour in presence of DC component (types AC and A)
(7) Time delay in presence of residual current (general and Class S)
(8) Protection against external influence (enclosure class)
(9) Connection method
(10) Mounting method
(11) Instantaneous tripping current (types B, C, D)
(12) By It characteristic
(b) Clause 4.1 Class by Methods of Operation

Clause 4.1 Method of Operation

Clause 4.1.1 Functionally Clause 4.1.2 Functionally

independent of line voltage dependent on line voltage

Clause 4.1.2.2 Not opening Clause 4.1.2.1 Opens automatically

automatically in case of line voltage in case of line voltage failure with or
failure without delay (cross ref 8.12)

(a) Able to trip in hazardous

situation (e.g. earth fault) even (a) Reclose automatically on
with line voltage failure. line voltage restored
Note: Requirement
under considerations
(b) Not reclosing on line
voltage restored
(b) Not able to trip in hazardous
situation with line voltage
failure.
Note: Subject to conditions
531-2-2-2 in 60364-5-53

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19 JULY 2017 (mektricon@gmail.com, Ir. HP Looi)
 Voltage Dependent Residual Current Devices
2.3 Comments
(a) Type 4.1.2.1 (opens automatically in case of line voltage failure is a fail-safe method to
alert user in case of system fault (line voltage failure of RCD and therefore requires
intervention).
While this would be strongly recommended in residential (absence of competent person)
it may not be so desirable where non-competent residential user may deem this to be
not-user friendly.
(b) Type 4.1.2.2 (will not open automatically in case of line voltage failure), RCD of such case
will be DANGEROUS in residential use. Two types are included in the description:
Where RCD will trip in hazardous condition; however it is not clear what IEC
means as a caveat is attached to this clause of further considerations.
Where RCD will not operate, 61008 and 61009 recommends cross reference to
IEC 60364-5-53 (LV Electrical Installations Selection and erection of electrical
equipment Protection, isolation, switching, control and monitoring) specifically
sub clause 531-2-2-2.
3 Recommendations For Voltage Dependent RCD
3.1 Automatic Reclosing (4.1.2.1)
While 4.1.2.1. (a) (RCD opens on line voltage failure and automatically reclose on restoring of
line voltage), cross-reference need to be made to other IEC standards as automatic reclosing
of live circuits may pose some risk.
BS EN 50556 and IEC 60898-1 will have relevance.
Therefore allowing VD RCD type in residential use may require compliance to 4.1.2.1 and if
(a) (auto-reclosing) is specified then other standards on auto-reclosing may be relevant
which may add significant cost to the RCCD or RCBO.
3.2 Without Automatic Reclosing (4.1.2.2)
As most Voltage Dependent RCCB or RCBO will be without automatic reclosing, then it is
pertinent to consider the caveat impose by clause 4.1.2.2 (b).
IEC 60364-5-53, Clause 531.2.2.2
The use of residual current protective devices with an auxiliary source not operating
automatically in case of failure of the auxiliary source is permitted ONLY if one of the
following conditions is fulfilled:
(a) Protection against indirect contact according to 413.1 of 60364-4-41 is ensured, even in
the case of failure of the auxiliary supply;
(b) The devices are installed in installations operated and inspected by instructed persons
(BA4) or skilled persons (BA5).

Therefore IEC standards (all cited above have been adopted as Malaysian
Standards) effectively prohibit voltage dependent RCD which do not open
on automatically on line voltage failure in residential.
In most EU jurisdiction (including the UK) Voltage Independent RCDs are prescribed for
residential use.

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19 JULY 2017 (mektricon@gmail.com, Ir. HP Looi)