Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs) - Part 2-1: RCBOs according to classification 4.1.1

IEC 61009-1:2024, Clause 1 is applicable except for the first paragraph and the last paragraph, which are replaced by the following, respectively: This document applies to residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (hereafter referred to as RCBOs), classified according to IEC 61009-1:2024, 4.1.1. RCBOs 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 and rated short-circuit capacities not exceeding 25 000 A for operation at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. This document applies in conjunction with IEC 61009-1:2024. It specifies requirements, tests and test sequences to verify compliance and is used for certification purposes.

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

Odklopniki na preostali (residualni) tok brez vgrajene nadtokovne zaščite za gospodinjsko in podobno rabo (RCBOs) - 2-1. del: RCBO 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

Overview

The standard prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 published by CLC defines strict requirements for Residual Current Operated Circuit-Breakers with integral Overcurrent protection (RCBOs) intended for household and similar applications. Specifically, it governs RCBOs under classification 4.1.1 according to IEC 61009-1:2024. This standard applies to RCBOs designed for supply voltages up to 440 V AC at frequencies of 50 Hz, 60 Hz, or 50/60 Hz, with rated currents up to 125 A and rated short-circuit capacities up to 25,000 A.

This document complements IEC 61009-1:2024 by providing additional technical modifications, test procedures, and certification criteria specifically for RCBOs used in residential and analogous environments. It ensures these devices meet safety, performance, and environmental robustness standards critical for protecting electrical circuits against residual currents and overcurrent faults.


Key Topics

  • Scope and Classification: Focus on RCBO classification 4.1.1 as defined in IEC 61009-1:2024.
  • Voltage and Current Ratings: Applicability for voltages ≤ 440 V AC and currents ≤ 125 A.
  • Test Procedures and Conditions:
    • Detailed tests for operational reliability including residual operating currents and trip-free mechanisms.
    • Specific low ambient temperature operation tests ensuring proper function between -25 °C and +40 °C.
    • Modifications and additions to testing circuits and sequences along with ambient humidity and temperature conditions.
    • Requirements for visual inspections post temperature cycling to verify device integrity.
  • Classification-Based Requirements: Covering general type RCBOs and types A and S with respect to residual current sensitivity and trip delay characteristics.
  • Certification and Compliance: Use of test sequences for verifying compliance with international and European test methods for certification purposes.
  • National Conditions and Variations: Incorporates special national rules particularly for countries like Germany, Ireland, and the UK concerning allowed RCBO types or footnotes in test sequences.

Applications

This standard is critically applied in areas including:

  • Residential Electrical Installations: Protection of domestic power circuits from earth leakage currents and overloads, ensuring safety against electrical shock and fire hazards.
  • Similar Use Environments: Such as small commercial buildings or light industrial sites that have electrical systems analogous to household circuits.
  • Electrical Device Manufacturing: Guides manufacturers in designing RCBOs compliant with updated safety and performance criteria required for European and international markets.
  • Regulatory Compliance and Certification: Assists certification bodies and regulatory agencies in verifying that RCBO products meet harmonized safety requirements.
  • Climate Resilience in Electrical Components: Ensures RCBOs operate reliably under varied climatic conditions, particularly in low ambient temperatures down to -25 °C.

Related Standards

  • IEC 61009-1:2024 – General rules for residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection.
  • IEC 61543:2022 – Electromagnetic compatibility requirements for residual current-operated protective devices (RCDs) used in households.
  • IEC 62873-2 – Vocabulary related to residual current devices for household and similar use.
  • EN 61009-1:2026 – The European version harmonizing IEC 61009-1 with regional modifications and amendments.
  • National Electrotechnical Committees’ Guidelines – Implementation of specific technical and operational provisions that may vary per country but complement this standard.

Practical Value

Implementing prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 compliant RCBOs boosts electrical safety, offering:

  • High reliability in detecting and interrupting earth leakage currents combined with overcurrent protection.
  • Proven durability and operational accuracy under harsh environmental conditions, including extreme cold climates.
  • Standardized performance criteria facilitating market acceptance and ensuring compatibility across European electrical networks.
  • Enhanced protection for users against electrical faults that could cause injury or property damage.
  • Clear, updated guidance for manufacturers, installers, and certifiers promoting consistency and quality in household circuit protection devices.

For more information on testing protocols, classification criteria, and certification processes for RCBOs under this standard, refer to the official document accessible through CLC and CENELEC portals.

Draft

prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026/oprAA:2026

English language
9 pages
Preview
Preview
e-Library read for
1 day

Frequently Asked Questions

prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 is a draft published by CLC. Its full title is "Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs) - Part 2-1: RCBOs according to classification 4.1.1". This standard covers: IEC 61009-1:2024, Clause 1 is applicable except for the first paragraph and the last paragraph, which are replaced by the following, respectively: This document applies to residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (hereafter referred to as RCBOs), classified according to IEC 61009-1:2024, 4.1.1. RCBOs 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 and rated short-circuit capacities not exceeding 25 000 A for operation at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. This document applies in conjunction with IEC 61009-1:2024. It specifies requirements, tests and test sequences to verify compliance and is used for certification purposes.

IEC 61009-1:2024, Clause 1 is applicable except for the first paragraph and the last paragraph, which are replaced by the following, respectively: This document applies to residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (hereafter referred to as RCBOs), classified according to IEC 61009-1:2024, 4.1.1. RCBOs 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 and rated short-circuit capacities not exceeding 25 000 A for operation at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. This document applies in conjunction with IEC 61009-1:2024. It specifies requirements, tests and test sequences to verify compliance and is used for certification purposes.

prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026/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.

You can purchase prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026/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 (RCBOs) - 2-1. del: RCBO v skladu s klasifikacijo
4.1.1
Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCBOs) - Part 2-1: RCBOs according to classification 4.1.1
Fehlerstrom-/Differenzstrom-Schutzschalter mit eingebauten Überstromschutz für
Hausinstallationen und für ähnliche Anwendungen (RCBOs) - Teil 2-1: RCBOs nach
Klassifikation 4.1.1
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026/prAA:2026
ICS:
29.120.50 Varovalke in druga Fuses and other overcurrent
nadtokovna zaščita protection devices
oSIST prEN IEC 61009-2- en
1:2026/oprAA:2026
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD DRAFT
prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
prAA
January 2026
ICS 29.120.50 -
English Version
Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral
overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs) -
Part 2-1: RCBOs according to classification 4.1.1
To be completed Fehlerstrom-/Differenzstrom-Schutzschalter mit
eingebauten Überstromschutz für Hausinstallationen und
für ähnliche Anwendungen (RCBOs) - Teil 2-1: RCBOs
nach Klassifikation 4.1.1
This draft amendment prAA, if approved, will modify the European Standard prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026; 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: 82334 Ref. No. prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026/prAA:2026 E

1 Contents Page
2 European foreword . 3
3 1 Modification to 9.9.1.1, “Test circuit and test procedure” . 4
4 2 Modification to 9.15.1, “General test conditions” . 4
5 3 Addition of 9.Z1, “Verification of the correct operation at low ambient air temperatures for
6 RCBOs for use at temperatures between −25 °C and +40 °C” . 4
7 4 Modification to Figure 2, “Test circuit for the verification of operating characteristics, and
8 trip-free mechanism for RCBOs classified according to 4.1.1” . 5
9 5 Addition of Figure Z6, “Test cycle for low temperature test (9.Z1)”. 5
10 6 Modification to Table A.1, “Test sequences” . 5
11 7 Modification to A.2, “Number of samples to be submitted for full test procedure” . 6
12 8 Modification to Table A.2, “Number of samples for full test procedure” . 6
13 9 Modification to Table A.3, “Number of samples for simplified test procedure” . 6
14 10 Modification to Table A.4, “Test sequences for RCBOs having different instantaneous
15 tripping currents” . 7
16 11 Modification to Table A.5, “Test sequences for RCBOs of different classification
17 according to 4.3 of IEC 61009-1:2024” . 7
18 12 Addition of Annex ZA, “Normative references to international publications with their
19 corresponding European publications” . 7
20 13 Addition of Annex ZB, “Special National Conditions” . 8
21 European foreword
22 This document (prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026/prAA:2026) has been prepared by CLC/TC 23E “Circuit breakers
23 and similar devices for household and similar applications”.
24 This document is currently submitted to the Enquiry.
25 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)
26 This document is read in conjunction with prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026.
27 This document includes the following significant technical modifications with respect to
28 prEN IEC 61009-2-1:2026:
29 — Only the essential common changes existing in EN 61009-2-1:1994 and all of its amendments and
30 corrigenda (if any) are maintained in this document.
32 1 Modification to 9.9.1.1, “Test circuit and test procedure”
33 Delete the last paragraph
34 2 Modification to 9.15.1, “General test conditions”
35 Delete the 2nd paragraph.
36 3 Addition of 9.Z1, “Verification of the correct operation at low ambient air
37 temperatures for RCBOs for use at temperatures between −25 °C and +40 °C”
38 Add the following subclause:
39 “9.Z1 Verification of the correct operation at low ambient air temperatures for RCBOs for use at
40 temperatures between −25 °C and +40 °C
41 Enclosed-type RCBOs are tested in their enclosure, unenclosed-type RCBOs are mounted in an individual
42 enclosure with a degree of protection IP55, and are connected as for normal use (see Figure 2).
43 No drain hole in the enclosure shall be opened for this test.
44 NOTE RCBOs tested in enclosures IP55 are suitable to be used in enclosures of a degree of protection other than
45 IP55 within the temperature range of –25 °C to +40 °C.
46 The RCBO (including the enclosure) is brought into a suitable test chamber with an ambient air temperature of
47 (23 ± 2) °C and a relative humidity of (93 ± 3) %. The volume ratio of the test chamber to the test samples
48 (including enclosures) shall be greater than 50.
49 The RCBO is in the ON-position without load and shall be subjected to the following cycle (see Figure Z6).
50 For the first 6 h (stabilization period) the temperature is kept at (23 ± 2) °C and the humidity at (93 ± 3) %.
51 Within the next 6 h the ambient air temperature is decreased to (−25 ± 2) °C without any supply of humidity.
52 This temperature of (−25 ± 2) °C is kept for 6 h. Within the next 6 h the temperature is increased to (+
53 23 ± 2) °C and the relative humidity is increased to (93 ± 3) % (end of the first cycle). This cycle is performed
54 five times.
55 During these cycles the RCBO shall not trip.
56 During the fifth cycle, at the end of the period at (−25 ± 2) °C, an AC residual current is passed through one
57 pole of the RCBO (see Figure 2)
58 — for RCB
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.

Loading comments...