100x Electrical Safety RCD Test Labels BS7671 (1 Roll) 75x50mm 18th Edition

Product Information

Neither BS EN 61008-1 nor BS EN 61009-1 requires an indication of the operating characteristic to be displayed or visible when the device is installed. It may be necessary therefore to refer to manufacturer’s data to determine this information. With the increase of new technologies being introduced and more widely used, these devices are becoming more vitality important to provide additional protection against fire.

Many of the issues encountered when testing RCDs are down to user error as opposed to faulty RCDs. It may come as a surprise to some, but RCD testing should be carried out at the RCD with the outgoing wiring disconnected. However, this is not usually done. The usual live working procedures must be considered, and suitable precautions taken when carrying out work near live parts. Sub Committee A of JPEL/64 scrutinized the product standards for RCDs and noted the complexity of testing parameters, as well as the results permitted by the standards that could be used to prove the functionality of an RCD when bench tested in a laboratory.The requirements of Section 443 on protection against transient overvoltages has been completely rewritten with the risk assessment removed.

BS EN 61009-1:2012+A12:2016. Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (RCBOs). Generally, an RCD either works or it doesn’t and, in essence, the test is to prove that the RCD is functional and is not intended to confirm that it still performs as per the relevant product standards and manufacturers requirements. RCD testing required by product standards is carried out by the manufacturer and is called type testing.

What is the maximum disconnection time for TT earthing systems using an RCD for fault protection?

Type AC RCDs are affected by residual DC components and can become desensitized or ‘blinded’ and may not operate within the required time or, in some instances, may not operate at all. Table 1 summarizes the various types of RCD referred in BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 and their resilience to DC components.

It has been reported that contractors have experienced difficulties when testing 30 mA RCDs having a 0.25 A residual operating current characteristic. These difficulties seem to stem from the devices being tested at a current of 150 mA, rather than the necessary 250 mA (0.25 A), based on the assumption that using a test current of 5 I Δn will always be sufficient to cause the device to operate within the required time (0.04 s). This is not the case.

What is an alternating current test?

This essential update to the IET Wiring Regulations forms the national standard to which all new electrical installations and additions, and alterations to existing electrical installations in the UK are to comply. It is important tobecome familiar with the changes. As BS 7671 is now published in digital as well as print format, it is no longer feasible to try to identify the minimum size of text on notices with words such as “not smaller than those illustrated here”. In addition, there are harmonized standards for instructions, technical documentation and safety signs, which apply independently of BS 7671. One solution could be to provide an overcurrent protective device within (or external to) the consumer unit, thus limiting the current through the assembly. The assembly will need to be certified by the manufacturer to the relevant part of the BS EN 61439 series and a declaration of conformity to this standard should be provided if requested.