IEC 61540

IEC 61540:2023 applies to portable residual current devices (PRCDs) for household and similar uses, consisting of a plug, a residual current device (RCD) and one or more socket-outlets or a provision for connection. They do not incorporate overcurrent protection. They are intended for single- and two-phase systems for rated currents not exceeding 16 A for rated voltages not exceeding 250 V AC, or for rated current not exceeding 32 A for rated voltages not exceeding 130 V AC to earth. They are intended to provide protection against shock hazard in case of direct contact, in addition to the protection provided by the fixed installations for the circuit downstream.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1997 and its Amendment 1:1998. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) The content of the document was revised and aligned with IEC 60755 (group safety publication for residual current devices) and standard library "blocks and modules".
b) Introduction of classification "4.3 According to behaviour after opening automatically in case of failure of the line voltage".
c) New requirements and tests were added to cover the introduced protection function against shock hazard:
- Verification of correct performance in the case of missing protective conductor.
- Verification of correct performance in the case of hazardous live protective conductor.
- Verification of correct performance in the case of loss of protective conductor.
- Verification of behaviour in the case of external fault current in the protective conductor.
d) Clearances/creepage distances revised and modified in alignment with IEC 62752 (IC‑CPD).
e) Revision of values for minimum operating voltages.
f) Introduction of requirements and test for ambient air temperature between −25 °C and +40 °C.
g) Test of dielectric properties revised and aligned with standard library "blocks and modules".
h) Relevant clauses aligned with IEC 62752 (IC-CPD); IC-CPD is a product standard describing similar product/features.
i) All annexes revised and adapted to content of main document.