Residual Current Devices: Short Description of The Most Important RCD Types
Residual Current Devices: Short Description of The Most Important RCD Types
Residual Current Devices: Short Description of The Most Important RCD Types
Symbol Description
Eaton standard. Suitable for outdoor installation (distribution boxes for outdoor installation and
building sites) up to -25 C.
RCD sensitive to pulsating DC for application where residual pulsating DC may occur. Non-selec-
tive, instantaneous. Protects only against special forms of residual pulsating DC which have not
been smoothed.
Type B: All-current sensitive RCD switchgear for applications where DC fault currents may occur.
Non-selective, non-delayed. Protection against all kinds of fault currents.
Type B+: All-current sensitive RCD switchgear for applications where DC fault currents may occur.
Non-selective, non-delayed. Protection against all kinds of fault currents. Also meets the require-
ments of the VDE 0664-400 standard (formerly known as VDE V 0664-110) and therefore provides
enhanced fire safety.
RCD of type G (min 10 ms time delay) surge current-proof up to 3 kA. For system components
G where protection against unwanted tripping is compulsory to avoid personal injury and damage to
VE E 8601
property ( 12.1.6 of VE/NORM E 8001-1). Also for systems involving long lines and high line
capacity. Some versions are sensitive to pulsating DC. Some versions are available in all-current
sensitive design.
RCD of type S (selective, min 40 ms time delay) surge current-proof up to 5 kA. Mainly used as
S main switch according to VE/NORM E 8001-1 12.1.5, as well as in combination with surge
arresters.This is the only RCD suitable for series connection with other types if the rated tripping
current of the downstream RCD does not exceed one third of the rated tripping current of the
device of type S. Some versions are sensitive to pulsating DC. Some versions are available in all-
current sensitive design.
proof - selective
protection two RCDs must be connected in series.
surge current-
proof
Testing:
RCDs with tripping time delay (Types -G and -S) may be function test-
conditionally
surge current- ed with conventional testing equipment which must be set according
proof
to the instructions for operation of the testing device. Due to reasons
inherent in the measuring process, the tripping time determined in
Residual tripping current
this way may be longer than expected in accordance with the specifi-
cations of the manufacturer of the measuring instrument.
However, the device is ok if the result of measurement is within the
Tripping time range limit values
time range specified by the manufacturer of the measuring instru-
Tripping time range type S Tripping time range non-delayed
Mains Frequency converters are used in a wide variety of systems and equip-
belts, and large washing machines. Using them for such purposes in
circuits with conventional residual current devices causes frequent
Frequency
converter
Motor
problems with unwanted tripping.
RCD
same behaviour.
Tripping characteristic
This sample tripping characteristic of a 100 mA RCD and a 300 mA
RCD shows the following: In the frequency range around 50 Hz, the
RCDs trip as required (50 - 100 % of the indicated In).
In the range shown hatched in the diagram, i. e. from approx. 100 to
300 Hz, unwanted tripping occurs frequently due to the use of fre-
quency converters. Frequency converter-proof residual current
devices are much less sensitive in this frequency range than in the 50
- 60 Hz range, which leads to an enormous increase in the reliability of
systems.
Protective Measures
The following rules for the application of RCDs of type" -U" are only applicable in those cases where an RCD of type "-B" is not explicitly demanded in the
instructions of the manufacturer of the frequency converter.
How can you make sure that the required protective measures are in place when using RCDs type -U and frequency converters in one system?
In Austria, the VE Decision EN 219 is applicable. In Germany, VDE 0100 is applicable, in Switzerland SEV 1000.
Under this standard In case of application in any other country than those mentioned
take into account national rules and recommendations.
frequency converters must be equipped with current limiting
devices in order to ensure disconnection in cause of faults or over-
load, and
SG49712
Line voltage independent RCCB for fault or additional protection with addi-
tional digital features.
Accessories:
Auxiliary switch for subsequent installation to the left Z-HK 248432
Tripping signal contact for subsequent installation to the right Z-NHK 248434
Automatic restarting device Z-FW/LP 248296
Z-FW-LPD 265244
Remote control Z-FW-MO 284730
Pre-mounted sets Z-FW-LP/MO 290171
Z-FW-LPD/MO 290172
Remote testing module Z-FW/003 248298
Z-FW/010 248299
Z-FW/030 248300
Sealing cover set Z-RC/AK-4TE 101062
Switching interlock IS/SPE-1TE 101911
Connection diagram
4-pole
Permanent light yellow The measured residual current is bigger than 30% of the nominal trip-
ping value.
Permanent light red The measured residual current is bigger than 50% of the nominal trip-
ping value.
Flashing yellow/red Check the device with test key. If the LEDs are still flashing check the
direction of connection (supply side / load side).
Remote Indication
Potential-free auxiliary switch for use in control circuits, insulated from main circuit of the switch gear according to IEC/EN60664.
0.25A ohmic load / 240V AC, terminal capacity: 0.25 - 1.5 mm2.
Dimensions (mm)
Correct connection
SG49812
4-pole types can also be used as 2-pole devices for photovoltaic applica-
tions
Accessories:
Auxiliary switch for subsequent installation to the left Z-HK 248432
Tripping signal contact for subsequent installation to the right Z-NHK 248434
Automatic restarting device Z-FW/LP 248296
Z-FW-LPD 265244
Remote control Z-FW-MO 284730
Pre-mounted sets Z-FW-LP/MO 290171
Z-FW-LPD/MO 290172
Remote testing module Z-FW/001 248297
Z-FW/003 248298
Z-FW/010 248299
Z-FW/030 248300
Z-FW/050 248301
Sealing cover set Z-RC/AK-4TE 101062
Switching interlock IS/SPE-1TE 101911
Connection diagram
4-pole
Netz
Mains
Last
Load
Permanent light yellow The measured residual current is bigger than 30% of the nominal trip-
ping value.
Permanent light red The measured residual current is bigger than 50% of the nominal trip-
ping value.
Flashing yellow/red Check the device with test key. If the LEDs are still flashing check the
direction of connection (supply side / load side).
Remote Indication
Potential-free auxiliary switch for use in control circuits, insulated from main circuit of the switch gear according to IEC/EN60664.
0.25A ohmic load / 240V AC, terminal capacity: 0.25 - 1.5 mm2.
Dimensions (mm)
Correct connection
Load side
Netzseite Load side
Netzseite Netzseite
Load side Load side
Supply
Lastseite
Lastseite
Supply Supply side
Lastseite Supply side
side
side
3+N 3-phase application 2-pole 4-pole
(240/415V) (30mA 184-264V) (240V) (240/415V)
(300mA 184-415V)