Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs) - Part 2-1: RCCBs according to classification 4.1.1

IEC 61008-1:2024, Clause 1 is applicable except for the first paragraph, which is replaced by the first paragraph below, and the last paragraph, which is replaced by the second paragraph below: This part of IEC 61008 applies to residual current operated circuit-breakers, without integral overcurrent protection, for household and similar uses (hereafter referred to as RCCBs), classified according to IEC 61008-1:2024, 4.1.1. RCCBs according to this document are intended for voltages not exceeding 440 V AC with frequencies of 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz and currents not exceeding 125 A, intended principally for protection against shock hazard. This document applies in conjunction with IEC 61008-1:2024. It specifies requirements, tests and test sequences to verify compliance and is used for certification purposes.

Fehlerstrom-/Differenzstrom-Schutzschalter ohne eingebauten Überstromschutz für Hausinstallationen und für ähnliche Anwendungen (RCCBs) - Teil 2-1: RCCBs nach Klassifikation 4.1.1

Interrupteurs automatiques à courant différentiel résiduel sans dispositif de protection contre les surintensités incorporé pour usages domestiques et analogiques (ID) - Partie 2-1: ID conformes à la classification en 4.1.1

Odklopniki na preostali (residualni) tok brez vgrajene nadtokovne zaščite za gospodinjsko in podobno rabo (RCCB's) - 2-1. del: Odklopniki na preostali (residualni) tok brez vgrajene nadtokovne zaščite v skladu s klasifikacijo 4.1.1

General Information

Status
Not Published
Publication Date
12-Aug-2027
Current Stage
4010 - Start of preparation of Enquiry - Enquiry
Start Date
02-Dec-2025
Completion Date
27-Nov-2025

Relations

Effective Date
22-Jul-2025

Overview

The prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 standard, developed by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CLC/TC 23E), addresses Residual Current Operated Circuit-Breakers (RCCBs) without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar applications. This document is a draft amendment to the existing prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026 standard, focusing specifically on RCCBs classified under section 4.1.1 of IEC 61008-1:2024.

RCCBs covered by this standard are intended for alternating current voltages up to 440 V and frequencies of 50 Hz, 60 Hz, or 50/60 Hz, with rated currents up to 125 A. The primary purpose is protection against electric shock hazards by detecting residual currents and disconnecting supply where necessary. This amendment provides updated testing protocols and environmental operating requirements to ensure safety and reliability, especially under low ambient temperatures.

Key Topics

  • Scope and Classification: Applies to RCCBs without built-in overcurrent protection, for residential and analogous uses, following specific classification criteria from IEC 61008-1:2024 clause 4.1.1.
  • Operating Conditions: Defines RCCB suitability for ambient temperatures ranging from -25 °C to +40 °C, expanding operational environments.
  • Low Temperature Verification (Clause 9.Z1): Introduces rigorous test cycles simulating cold environmental conditions (down to -25 °C) with emphasis on functional reliability during and after exposure, including:
    • Stabilization at standard temperature with high humidity.
    • Temperature cycling between 23 °C and -25 °C.
    • AC and pulsating DC residual current tripping tests at low temperatures.
  • Updated Test Circuits and Procedures: Modifications to test circuits (Figure 2), test sequences, and sample numbers ensure precise verification of trip-free mechanisms and operating characteristics in varied conditions.
  • Material Integrity Checks: Post-test inspections to confirm no material degradation that would impair further use.
  • Harmonization and National Conditions: Annexes addressing normative references and special national requirements, such as restrictions on device types allowed in Germany and additional notes applicable in the UK.

Applications

The prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 standard is critical for manufacturers, certifying bodies, and electrical safety professionals involved in:

  • Design and Production: Guiding the development of RCCBs that meet stringent safety and performance criteria under household and similar environments.
  • Certification and Compliance Testing: Providing specific test methodologies-such as the low temperature performance test-to validate RCCB reliability and compliance for market approval.
  • Installation and Use in Diverse Climates: Ensuring RCCBs remain operational and effective in colder climates, expanding market suitability to regions experiencing temperatures as low as -25 °C.
  • Safety Assurance in Residential Electrical Systems: Enhancing protection against electric shock hazards by specifying residual current device performance without overcurrent functions.
  • Regulatory and National Harmonization: Facilitating standards alignment across European nations while acknowledging special local requirements to secure safety and interoperability.

Related Standards

  • IEC 61008-1:2024 – General rules and classification for RCCBs, providing foundational criteria referenced throughout prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/prAA:2026.
  • IEC 61543:2022 / EN IEC 61543:2023 – Electromagnetic compatibility requirements for residual current-operated protective devices.
  • IEC 62873-2 – Vocabulary specific to residual current devices and circuit-breakers, supporting clear technical communication.
  • CENELEC CLC/TC 23E Publications – Additional documents on circuit breakers and household electrical protection devices for comprehensive compliance and design guidance.

For manufacturers and safety professionals, adhering to prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 ensures that RCCBs provide reliable residual current detection and disconnection without integral overcurrent protection, guaranteeing enhanced electrical shock protection under a wide range of operating conditions, including low temperatures typical in many residential environments. This standard strengthens safety and harmonizes product quality across European markets.

Draft

prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/oprAA:2026

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8 pages
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Frequently Asked Questions

prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 is a draft published by CLC. Its full title is "Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs) - Part 2-1: RCCBs according to classification 4.1.1". This standard covers: IEC 61008-1:2024, Clause 1 is applicable except for the first paragraph, which is replaced by the first paragraph below, and the last paragraph, which is replaced by the second paragraph below: This part of IEC 61008 applies to residual current operated circuit-breakers, without integral overcurrent protection, for household and similar uses (hereafter referred to as RCCBs), classified according to IEC 61008-1:2024, 4.1.1. RCCBs according to this document are intended for voltages not exceeding 440 V AC with frequencies of 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz and currents not exceeding 125 A, intended principally for protection against shock hazard. This document applies in conjunction with IEC 61008-1:2024. It specifies requirements, tests and test sequences to verify compliance and is used for certification purposes.

IEC 61008-1:2024, Clause 1 is applicable except for the first paragraph, which is replaced by the first paragraph below, and the last paragraph, which is replaced by the second paragraph below: This part of IEC 61008 applies to residual current operated circuit-breakers, without integral overcurrent protection, for household and similar uses (hereafter referred to as RCCBs), classified according to IEC 61008-1:2024, 4.1.1. RCCBs according to this document are intended for voltages not exceeding 440 V AC with frequencies of 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz and currents not exceeding 125 A, intended principally for protection against shock hazard. This document applies in conjunction with IEC 61008-1:2024. It specifies requirements, tests and test sequences to verify compliance and is used for certification purposes.

prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 29.120.50 - Fuses and other overcurrent protection devices. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

You can purchase prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CLC standards.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2026
Odklopniki na preostali (residualni) tok brez vgrajene nadtokovne zaščite za
gospodinjsko in podobno rabo (RCCB's) - 2-1. del: Odklopniki na preostali
(residualni) tok brez vgrajene nadtokovne zaščite v skladu s klasifikacijo 4.1.1
Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCCBs) - Part 2-1: RCCBs according to classification 4.1.1
Fehlerstrom-/Differenzstrom-Schutzschalter ohne eingebauten Überstromschutz für
Hausinstallationen und für ähnliche Anwendungen (RCCBs) - Teil 2-1: RCCBs nach
Klassifikation 4.1.1
Interrupteurs automatiques à courant différentiel résiduel sans dispositif de protection
contre les surintensités incorporé pour usages domestiques et analogiques (ID) - Partie
2-1: ID conformes à la classification en 4.1.1
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/prAA:2026
ICS:
29.120.50 Varovalke in druga Fuses and other overcurrent
nadtokovna zaščita protection devices
oSIST prEN IEC 61008-2- en
1:2026/oprAA:2026
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD DRAFT
prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
prAA
January 2026
ICS 29.120.50 -
English Version
Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral
overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCCBs) -
Part 2-1: RCCBs according to classification 4.1.1
Interrupteurs automatiques à courant différentiel résiduel Fehlerstrom-/Differenzstrom-Schutzschalter ohne
sans dispositif de protection contre les surintensités eingebauten Überstromschutz für Hausinstallationen und
incorporé pour usages domestiques et analogiques (ID) - für ähnliche Anwendungen (RCCBs) - Teil 2-1: RCCBs
Partie 2-1: ID conformes à la classification en 4.1.1 nach Klassifikation 4.1.1
This draft amendment prAA, if approved, will modify the European Standard prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026; it is submitted to CENELEC
members for enquiry.
Deadline for CENELEC: 2026-04-24.
It has been drawn up by CLC/TC 23E.
If this draft becomes an amendment, CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this amendment the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft amendment was established by CENELEC in three official versions (English, French, German).
A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to
the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Project: 82332 Ref. No. prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 E

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Modification to 9.9.1.1, “Test circuit and test procedure” . 4
2 Modification to 9.15.1, “General test conditions” . 4
3 Addition of 9.Z1, “Verification of the correct operation at low ambient air temperatures for
RCCBs for use at temperatures between −25 °C and +40 °C” . 4
4 Modification to Figure 2, “Test circuit for the verification of operating characteristics, and
trip-free mechanism for RCCBs classified according to 4.1.1” . 5
5 Addition of Figure Z6, “Test cycle for low temperature test (9.Z1)”. 5
6 Modification to Table A.1, “Test sequences” . 5
7 Modification to Clause A.2, “Number of samples to be submitted for full test procedure” . 5
8 Modifications to Table A.2, “Number of samples for full test procedure” . 5
9 Modifications to Table A.3, “Number of samples for simplified test procedure” . 6
10 Modifications to Table A.4, “Test sequences for RCCBs of different classification
according to 4.3 of IEC 61008-1:2024” . 6
11 Addition of Annex ZA, “Normative references to international publications with their
corresponding European publications” . 6
12 Addition of Annex ZB, “Special National Conditions” . 7
European foreword
This document (prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026/prAA:2026) has been prepared by CLC/TC 23E “Circuit breakers
and similar devices for household and similar applications”.
This document is currently submitted to the Enquiry.
The following dates are proposed:
• latest date by which the existence of this (doa) dav + 6 months
document has to be announced at national
level
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) dav + 12 months
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) dav + 60 months (to
conflicting with this document have to be be confirmed or
withdrawn modified when voting)
This document is read in conjunction with prEN IEC 61008-2-1:2026.
This document includes the following significant technical modifications with respect to prEN
IEC 61008-2-1:2026:
— Only the essential common changes existing in EN 61008-2-1:1994 and all of its amendments and
corrigenda (if any) are maintained in this document.
1 Modification to 9.9.1.1, “Test circuit and test procedure”
Delete the last paragraph.
2 Modification to 9.15.1, “General test conditions”
Delete the 3rd paragraph.
3 Addition of 9.Z1, “Verification of the correct operation at low ambient air
temperatures for RCCBs for use at temperatures between −25 °C and +40 °C”
Add the following subclause:
“9.Z1 Verification of the correct operation at low ambient air temperatures for RCCBs for use at
temperatures between −25 °C and +40 °C
Enclosed-type RCCBs are tested in their enclosure, unenclosed-type RCCBs are mounted in an individual
enclosure with a degree of protection IP55, and are connected as for normal use (see Figure 2).
No drain hole in the enclosure shall be opened for this test.
NOTE RCCBs tested in enclosures IP55
...

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