Bsi bs en 61543 1996 (2006)

BRITISH STANDARD

BS EN
61543:1996
Incorporating
Amendments Nos. 1,
2 and 3

Residual
current-operated
protective devices
(RCDs) for household
and similar use —
Electromagnetic
compatibility

The European Standard EN 61543:1995, with the incorporation of
amendments A11:2003, A12:2005 and A2:2006, has the status of a
British Standard

ICS 29.020; 29.120.50

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:


BS EN 61543:1996

Committees responsible for this
British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical
Committee PEL/23, Circuit breakers and similar equipment for household use,

upon which the following bodies were represented:
Association of Consulting Engineers
Association of Control Manufacturers — TACMA (BEAMA Ltd.)
ASTA Certification Services
British Lawnmower Manufacturers’ Federation
Consumer Policy Committee of BSI
Consumers’ Association
Department of Trade and Industry (Consumer Safety Unit)
Electrical Installation Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (BEAMA Ltd.)
Electricity Association
ERA Technology Ltd.
Federation of the Electronics Industry
Institution of Electrical Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting
National Quality Assurance
Portable Electric Tool Manufacturers’ Association

This British Standard, having
been prepared under the
direction of the
Electrotechnical Sector Board,
was published under the
authority of the Standards
Board and comes into effect
on 15 January 1996
© BSI 2006

The following BSI references
relate to the work on this

standard:
Committee reference PEL/23
Draft for
comment 91/26935 DC

ISBN 0 580 25201 9

Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No.

Date

Comments

14834

2 December 2003 See national foreword

15842

28 April 2006

See national foreword

16402

31 July 2006

See national foreword

BS EN 61543:1996

Contents
Committees responsible
National foreword
Foreword
Text of EN 61543
Bibliography

© BSI 2006

Page
Inside front cover
ii
2
5
12

i


BS EN 61543:1996

National foreword
This British Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee PEL/23 and is
the English language version of EN 61543:1995 Residual current-operated
protective devices (RCDs) for household and similar use — Electromagnetic
compatibility, including amendments A11:2003, A12:2005 and A2:2006,
published by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization

(CENELEC). It is identical with IEC 61543:1995 published by the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in
the text by tags !". Tags indicating changes to IEC text carry the number of
the amendment. For example, text altered by IEC amendment 1 is indicated by
!".
The CENELEC common modifications have been implemented at the appropriate
places in the text. The start and finish of each common modification is indicated
in the text by tags . Where a common modification has been introduced by
amendment, the tags carry the number of the amendment. For example, the
common modifications introduced by CENELEC amendment A11 are indicated
by ‚.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
PEL/23, Electrotechnical, which has the responsibility to:
— aid enquirers to understand the text;
— present to the responsible international/European committee any enquiries
on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep UK interests informed;
— monitor related international and European developments and promulgate
them in the UK.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request
to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European publications
referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue under the section
entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index”, or by using the
“Search” facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of British Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
the EN title page, pages 2 to 13 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

ii

© BSI 2006


EUROPEAN STANDARD

EN 61543

NORME EUROPÉENNE

July 1995

EUROPÄISCHE NORM

September 2003

+ A11
+ A12
May 2005

+ A2

February 2006

ICS 29.020;29.120.50

English version

Residual current-operated protective devices (RCDs) for
household and similar use
Electromagnetic compatibility
(IEC 61543:1995)

Dispositifs différentiels résiduels (DDR) pour
usages domestiques et analogues —
Compatabilité électromagnétique

Fehlerstromschutzeinrichtungen (RCDs) für
Hausinstallationen und ähnliche
Verwendung — Elektromagnetische
Verträglichkeit

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 1995-07-04. Amendment
A11 was approved by CENELEC on 2003-06-01 and amendment A12 was approved
by CENELEC on 2005-03-01. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the
CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This amendment A12 modifies the European Standard EN 61543:1995; it was
approved by CENELEC on 2005-03-01. CENELEC members are bound to comply
with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditons for
giving this amendment the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards

may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC
member.
This European Standard exists 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 Central Secretariat has
the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria,
Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B-1050 Brussels
© 1995 Copyright reserved to CENELEC members
Ref. No. EN 61543:1995 + A11:2003 + A12:2005 E


EN 61543:1995

Foreword

Foreword to amendment A12

The text of document 23E/202/DIS, future edition 1
of IEC 1543, prepared by SC TC 23, Electrical
accessories, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC

parallel vote and was approved by CENELEC as
EN 61543 on 1995-07-04.

This amendment, aiming to improve some
high frequency test conditions in
EN 61543:1995/A11:2003, has been prepared by the
Technical Committee CENELEC TC 23E, Circuit
breakers and similar devices for household and
similar applications.

The following dates were fixed:
— latest date by which the EN
has to be implemented at
national level by
publication of an identical
national standard or by
endorsement
(dop) 1996-04-01
— latest date by which the
national standards
conflicting with the EN
have to be withdrawn

(dow) 1996-04-01

For products which have complied with the relevant
national standard before 1996-04-01, as shown by
the manufacturer or by a certification body, this
previous standard may continue to apply for
production until 2001-04-01.

Annexes designated “normative” are part of the
body of the standard.

The text of the draft was submitted to the Unique
Acceptance Procedure and was approved by
CENELEC as amendment A12 to EN 61543:1995
on 2005-03-01.
The following dates were fixed:
— latest date by which the
amendment has to be
implemented at national
level by publication of an
identical national standard
or by endorsement
(dop) 2006-03-01
— latest date by which the
national standards
conflicting with the
amendment have to be
withdrawn

(dow) 2008-03-01

In this standard, Annex ZA is normative.

Foreword to amendment A2

Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.

The text of document 23E/588/FDIS, future

amendment 2 to IEC 61543:1995, prepared by
SC 23E, Circuit-breakers and similar equipment for
household use, of IEC TC 23, Electrical accessories,
was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote
and was approved by CENELEC as amendment A2
to EN 61543:1995 on 2005-12-01.

Foreword to amendment A11
The text of this document, prepared by the
Technical Committee CENELEC TC 23E, Circuit
breakers and similar devices for household and
similar applications, was submitted to the Unique
Acceptance Procedure and was approved by
CENELEC as amendment A11 to EN 61543:1995
on 2003-06-01.
The following dates were fixed:
— latest date by which the EN
has to be implemented at
national level by
publication of an identical
national standard or by
endorsement
(dop) 2004-03-01
— latest date by which the
national standards
conflicting with the EN
have to be withdrawn

The following dates were fixed:
— latest date by which the

amendment has to be
implemented at national
level by publication of an
identical national standard
or by endorsement
(dop) 2006-09-01
— latest date by which the
national standards
conflicting with the
amendment have to be
withdrawn

(dow) 2008-12-01

(dow) 2007-03-01

Annexes designated “normative” are part of the
body of the standard.
In this standard, Annex ZA is normative.
Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC.

2

© BSI 2006


EN 61543:1995

Contents
Foreword

Introduction
1
Scope
2
Normative references
3
Standard electromagnetic
environmental conditions
4
Electromagnetic emission of RCDs
5
Electromagnetic immunity of RCDs
Annex ZA (normative) Normative references
to international publications with their
corresponding European publications

Page
2
5
5
5
6
7
7
13

Table 1 — Standard low-frequency
environmental conditions
Table 2 — Standard high-frequency
environmental conditions

Table 3 — Standard electrostatic
environmental conditions
Table 4 — Low-frequency immunity
test conditions
Table 5 — High-frequency immunity
test conditions
Table 5a — Current level according to the
frequency and RCD sensitivity for the
conditions of T 2.6

10

Table 6 — Test conditions for electrostatic
discharges

10

Figure 1 — Example of an appropriate test
circuit

11

© BSI 2006

6
6
6
8
9

3


4

blank


EN 61543:1995

Introduction
This International Standard includes definitions, standard electromagnetic conditions, conditions of
operation in service and electromagnetic tests necessary for devices providing residual current protection.
It applies when required in a product standard and in conjunction with it, at present for:
— IEC 61008-series for RCCBs;
— IEC 61009-series for RCBOs.
It is intended to apply also for the same purpose, in conjunction with future IEC standards, for portable
residual current devices without integral overcurrent protection for household and similar uses (PRCDs),
to residual current devices without integral overcurrent protection incorporated in or to be associated with
fixed socket-outlets (SRCDs) — now under consideration — and to other RCDs incorporating overcurrent
protection.
The EMC characteristics of a product are generally influenced by the design and not by the
manufacturing process, therefore the tests of this standard are to be made for design verification and will
be repeated only in the case of modifications influencing the EMC behaviour.‚

1 Scope
This International Standard is intended to ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of devices
providing residual current protection, for rated voltages not exceeding 440 V a.c., intended principally for
protection of persons against shock hazards.
This standard applies for environmental conditions which occur in installations connected to

low-voltage public networks or similar. It may also provide guidance for ensuring EMC for other products
intended for safety purposes or for products including electronic circuits and for which a high level of
continuity of service is required.
For EMC test requirements not included in the product standards reference should be made to this product
family standard.

2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this International Standard. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All
normative documents are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this International
Standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative
documents indicated below. Members of IEC and ISO maintain registers of currently valid International
Standards.
IEC 61000-4-2:1995, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 4: Testing and measurement
techniques — Section 2: Electrostatic discharge immunity test — Basic EMC publication.
IEC 61000-4-4:1995, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 4: Testing and measurement
techniques — Section 4: Electrical fast transient/burst immunity test — Basic EMC publication
IEC 61000-2-2:1990, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 2: Environment —
Section 2: Compatibility levels for low-frequency conducted disturbances and signalling in public lowvoltage power supply systems.
IEC 61000-4-1:1992, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 4: Testing and measurement
techniques — Section 1: Overview of immunity tests — Basic EMC publication
IEC 61008-1:1990, Residual current operated circuit-breakers without integral overcurrent protection
(RCCBs) — Part 1: General rules
Amendment 1 (1992).
IEC 61009-1:1991, Residual current operated circuit-breakers with integral overcurrent protection (RCBOs)
for household and similar uses — Part 1: General rules.
CISPR 14:1993, Limits and methods of measurements of radio disturbance characteristic of electrical
motor-operated and thermal appliances for household and similar purposes, electric tools and electric
apparatus.

© BSI 2006

5


EN 61543:1995

3 Standard electromagnetic environmental conditions
Standard electromagnetic environmental conditions are those conditions which occur in installations
connected to low-voltage public networks or similar.
3.1 Low-frequency electromagnetic phenomena
Table 1 lists the low-frequency electromagnetic phenomena considered under the environmental conditions
taken into account.
3.2 High-frequency electromagnetic phenomena
Table 2 lists the high frequency electromagnetic phenomena considered, whether conducted, induced or
radiated, whether continuous or transient, under the environmental conditions taken into account.
3.3 Electrostatic discharges
Table 3 gives the electrostatic discharge phenomenon considered, under the environmental conditions
taken into account.
Table 1 — Standard low-frequency environmental conditions‚
Reference

Phenomena

Environmental conditions

T 1.1

Harmonics, interharmonics

T 1.2
T 1.3

Signalling voltages2)‚
Voltage amplitude variations

T 1.4
T 1.5
T 1.6
T 1.7
T 1.8

Voltage unbalance
Power frequency variations
Induced low frequency voltages
Direct current in a.c. network
Radiated magnetic field

With levels of harmonics and interharmonics according to
IEC 61000-2-2
In presence of signalling voltages (without resonance)
Between 0,85 and 1,1 Un and possible voltage dips of short
duration or voltage interruptions1)
Refer to IEC 61000-2-2
Within normal frequency deviation range of ±5 %
Not applicable
Without appreciable direct current component
Vicinity of low-voltage power line

1) Voltage

dips are occasional voltage drops greater than 15 % of Un and less than 100 % of Un. Typical values of these dips are 30 %
to 50 % of Un. Short voltage interruptions are voltage drops of 100 % of Un. The duration of these dips and short interruptions
may be of more than half a cycle up to about 1 s.


2) Superimposed

mains signalling voltages are not allowed in common mode, except under specific conditions as indicated
in IEC 60364-4-44.‚

Table 2 — Standard high-frequency environmental conditions‚
Reference

T 2.1
T 2.2
T 2.3
T 2.4
T 2.5
#T 2.6

Phenomena

Conducted oscillatory voltages or currents
Conducted unidirectional transients of the
nano-second time scale (burst)
Conducted unidirectional transients of the
micro/millisecond time scale

Environmental conditions

Refer to 2.5
Low-voltage installations

Overhead and underground networks with
possible distant lightning at less than 1 km
from the installation
Current oscillatory transients
Switching overvoltages or indirect lightning
Radiated high-frequency phenomena
Less than 10 V/m (e.g., radio, television
stations at a distance over 1 km, portable
transceivers not closer than 1 m)
Conducted common mode disturbances in the Direct connection to the low voltage main
frequency range lower than 150 kHz
network $
Table 3 — Standard electrostatic environmental conditions‚

Reference

T 3.1

6

Phenomena

Electrostatic discharges

Environmental conditions

Possible presence of electrostatically charged materials
(for example, synthetic carpets) at low humidity
© BSI 2006


EN 61543:1995

4 Electromagnetic emission of RCDs
Emission tests are required only for RCDs containing a continuously operating oscillator. They shall be
carried out according to CISPR 14.
NOTE 1 RCDs other than those containing a continuously operating oscillator do not usually generate continuous or transient
disturbances except during their switching process. The frequency, the level and the consequences of such emissions are considered
as part of the normal electromagnetic environment of low-voltage installations.
NOTE 2

RCDs containing microprocessors are not considered.

5 Electromagnetic immunity of RCDs
Unless otherwise stated the tests are made without load.
5.1 Performance criteria
For the purpose of this standard the performance criteria of the IEC 61000 series are replaced
by 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 and 5.1.4. For safety reasons, some tests levels and test specifications have been
chosen at levels higher than those required by the standard of the IEC 61000 series.
5.1.1 During the test making reference to this performance criterion, the RCD shall remain closed at
continuously applied residual current of 0,3 I%n and shall trip at 1,25 I%n.
5.1.2 During the tests making reference to this performance criterion the RCD shall not trip. After the test,
compliance with item a) of 9.9.2.3 of IEC 61008-1 at I%n only shall be checked.
5.1.3 During the test making reference to this performance criterion the RCD may trip. After each
tripping the RCD shall be reclosed.‚ After the test, compliance with item a) of 9.9.2.3 of IEC 61008-1
at I%n only shall be checked.

5.1.4 Other performance criteria are contained in the clauses of the product standards, for example
IEC 61008-1 and/or IEC 61009-1.
5.2 Low-frequency immunity tests
The data for the low frequency immunity tests to be applied are given in Table 4.
5.3 High-frequency immunity tests
The data for the high frequency immunity tests to be applied are given in Table 5.
5.4 Electrostatic discharges
The data for the electrostatic discharge test to be applied are given in Table 6.

© BSI 2006

7


EN 61543:1995


Reference
(see Table 1)

T 1.1
T 1.2
T 1.3

T 1.4
T 1.5
T 1.8

Table 4 — Low-frequency immunity test conditions
Electromagnetic

phenomena

Reference of basic
standard for test
description

Test level and test
specification

Subclauses including the
performance criteria

Harmonics, inter
No requirements1)
harmonics
Signalling voltages
Under consideration. See Secretariat Note (*)
Voltage amplitude variations2)
From 0,85 Un to
9.16 and 9.17 of
Voltage fluctuations3) 9.9.5 and 9.17 of
IEC 61008-1;
IEC 61008-1 and
1,1 Un4)
IEC 61009-1
9.9.1.5 and 9.17 of
IEC 61009-1
9.17 of IEC 61008-1 and IEC 61009-1
Voltage dips5)
Voltage

9.17 and IEC 61008-1 and IEC 61009-1
interruptions5)
Voltage unbalance
Refer to T1.3
5)
Power frequency
variations
Radiated magnetic
9.11 and 9.18 of IEC 61008-1 (RCCBs)
field2)
9.12 and 9.18 of IEC 61009-1 (RCBOs)

(*) Secretariat Note Throughout the existing TC 23E product standards for RCDs no test can be found, which could be indicated as
covering immunity from signalling voltages. Consequently Note 2 is not applicable for those tests and only the wording “under
consideration”, without note reference, can be kept.
1) A

study is undertaken for possible inclusion of requirements in a future revision.
the purpose of this standard, the relevant product tests are used to cover the EMC requirements.
3) Tests specified in product standards do not need be repeated. The functioning of RCDs functionally independent of line voltage is
not affected by voltage amplitude variations. The tests of this standard apply only to RCDs dependent on line voltage.
4) For PRCDs 0,7 U instead of 0,85 U .
n
n
5) Immunity from power frequency variations is ensured by the fact that all performances of the device are tested at frequencies
which may be subject to variations in the range of ±5 % of the rated frequency: see 9.2 of IEC 61008-1 and IEC 61009-1.
2) For

‚

8

© BSI 2006


EN 61543:1995


Reference
(see Table 2)

Table 5 — High-frequency immunity test conditions
Electromagnetic
phenomena

Reference of basic
standard for test
description

5.1.1

9.19 of IEC 61008-1
and IEC 61009-1
IEC 61000-4-36)

10 V/mz 7)

5.1.1

Values derived from

IEC 61000-4-16

-Level 2j
for I%n < 30 mA
-Level 3j
for I%n U 30 mA $

5.1.1

Conducted
sine-wave form
voltages or currents

ƒIEC 61000-4-69)

T 2.2

Fast transients
(bursts)
Common mode
Surges

IEC 61000-4 42)
IEC 61000-4-5

T 2.3b

T 2.4
T 2.5

#T 2.6(*)

Current oscillatory
transients
(ring wave)
Radiated magnetic
field
Conducted common
mode disturbances in
the frequency range
lower than 150 kHz

Subclauses including
the performance
criteria

0,15 MHz to 80 MHz
Z = 150 7
10 V for RCDs with
I%n
U 30 mA
3 V for RCDs with
I%n <
30 mA and PRCDs/SRCDs„
Level 4: 4 kV (peak)5)
Tr/Th 5/50 ns
Repetition
frequency:
2,5 kHz
Tr/Th 1,2/50 4s

5 kV (peak) (4 kV for SRCDs
and PRCDs)1) common mode
4 kV (peak) (2 kV for SRCDs
and PRCDs)1)
differential mode
Tr/Th 1,2/50 4s
4
common
kV (peak)1)
mode
2 kV (peak)1)
differential mode
Tr/Th 0,5 4s/100 kHz
200 A
(peak)4)

T 2.1

T 2.3a

Test level and test
specification

5.1.23)
5.1.28)

5.1.2

5.1.4

1) Tests

with lower voltages than those given in this table are not required (reason: IEC 61000-4-5, subclause 8.2 requires to carry
out the tests at each voltage up to the chosen level). This test shall be carried out on the device in the closed position and supplied
at rated voltage. 5 positive and 5 negative pulses shall be applied successively:
— between the metal support and parts intended to be earthed (PE conductor, earthing terminal), if any, connected together and
each live conductor in turn at an impedance of 12 7;
— between each phase and neutral, in turn, and between each couple of poles, in turn, at an impedance of 2 7.
For SRCDs and PRCDs the performance criterion is given in 5.1.3 and only T2.3a has to be performed.
2) In addition, the sample shall be mounted as in normal use on a flat insulating support at a distance of 10 cm from the earth
plane.
3) The test is carried out in single-phase on one pole of each sample taken at random.
Three new samples are submitted to the test. If one sample does not comply with the criterion by tripping during the test, three
further samples are tested, which shall fully comply with criterion of 5.1.2.
4) For PRCDs and SRCDs the current level is at present 25 A.
5) For PRCDs and SRCDs the level is 3, i.e. 2 kV (peak).
ƒ6) Verification of non-tripping shall be carried out by sweeping the frequency range. Verification of tripping shall be carried out
at 450 MHz and at 900 MHz and at 3 other frequencies selected at random within the specified range and different from one
sample to another.„
7) For PRCDs and SRCDs the level is 3 V/m.
8) If the RCD doesn’t trip after the test T 2.3a (performance criteria 5.1.2), the test T 2.3b has not to be performed.
ƒ9) Verification of non-tripping shall be carried out by sweeping the frequency range. Verification of tripping shall be carried out
at 5 frequencies selected at random within the specified range and different from one sample to another.„
# j — Current levels are given in Table 5a. They are derived from IEC 61000-4-16, taking into account a common mode impedance
of 150 7. Conventional test currents are applied according to Figure 1.
— The test circuit is given in Figure 1.
— In order to simplify the tests:
the test is made once with a residual current of 0,3 I%n at rated frequency, by sweeping the frequency from 1 kHz to 150 kHz
at the rate according to IEC 61000-4-16, Subclause 6.1.3. The device shall not trip;
tripping tests, with residual current of 1,25 I%n at rated frequency, are carried out on each sample at 5 different frequency

values selected at random over the frequency range and different from one sample to another. The device shall trip.
(*) In the USA, this test is not applicable.
$

‚

© BSI 2006

9


EN 61543:1995

#
Table 5a — Current level according to the frequency and RCD sensitivity for the conditions of
T 2.6
Frequency range

RMS current value for Level 2

I%n < 30 mA

RMS current value for Level 3

I%n U 30 mA

1 kHz to 1,5 kHz

2 mA a

6,6 mA a

1,5 kHz to 15 kHz

2 mA to 20 mA b

6,6 mA to 66 mA b

15 kHz to 150 kHz

20 mA a

66 mA a

a

Constant current level in the complete range.

b

The current level increases from 1,5 kHz to 15 kHz at 20 dB/decade.

Unless otherwise stated in the relevant product standard, the test is carried out on three samples as a
single phase test on one pole on each sample as shown in Figure 1. Three new samples, lowest I%n and any
In, are submitted to test if one sample does not comply with the criteria.$

Reference
(see Table 3)

T 3.1

1)

Table 6 — Test conditions for electrostatic discharges
Electromagnetic
phenomenon

Electrostatic discharges

Reference of basic standard Test level and test
for test description
specification

IEC 61000-4-2

Level 3
8 kV air
6 kV contact

Subclauses including
the performance
criteria

5.1.31)

Three new samples are submitted to the test. All three shall pass the test.
The point to which discharges shall be applied is selected by an exploration of the accessible surfaces of the RCD, when installed
as for normal use. The selection is made with 20 discharges per second.
The selected point is tested with 10 positive and 10 negative polarity discharges with a time interval of minimum 1 s between
subsequent discharges.

‚

10

© BSI 2006


EN 61543:1995

#

Fault current
adjustment from
0,3 IΔn to 1,25 IΔn

I
Isolation transformer
50/60 Hz
N
RCD
under
test

P

Appropriate
coupling means

HF current generator

from 1 kHz to 150 kHz

IEC 2293/05

The characteristics of HF generator shall comply with IEC 61000-4-16.
If the RCD has an earthing terminal, it shall be connected to the neutral terminal, if any, and if so marked on the RCD or, failing
that, to any phase terminal.

Figure 1 — Example of an appropriate test circuit
$

© BSI 2006

11


BS EN 61543:1996

Bibliography
IEC 60364-4-44:2001, Electrical installations of buildings — Part 4-44: Protection for safety —
Protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances.

12

© BSI 2006


EN 61543:1995

Annex ZA (normative)

Normative references to international publications with their corresponding
European publications
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed
hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply
to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references
the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
NOTE When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.
Publication

Year

Title

IEC 61000-2-2
(mod)

1990

IEC 61000-4-1

1992

IEC 61000-4-2

1995

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) —
ENV 61000-2-2 1993

Part 2: Environment —
Section 2: Compatibility levels for
low-frequency conducted disturbances and
signalling in public low-voltage power
supply systems
Part 4: Testing and measurement
EN 61000-4-1
1994
techniques —
Section 1: Overview of immunity tests
Section 2: Electrostatic discharge
EN 61000-4-2
1995
immunity test
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) —
EN 61000-4-3
Part 4-3: Testing and measurement techniques —
Section 3: Radiated, radio frequency,
electromagnetic field immunity test
Section 4: Electrical fast transient/burst
EN 61000-4-4
1995
immunity test
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) —
EN 61000-4-5
Part 4-5: Testing and measurement techniques —
Section 5: Surge immunity test
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) —
EN 61000-4-6
Part 4-6: Testing and measurement techniques —

Section 6: Immunity to conducted disturbances,
induced by radio frequency fields
Residual current operated circuit-breakers
without integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCCB’s) —
Part 1: General rules
EN 61008-1
1994
+ corr. September 1994
Residual current operated circuit-breakers
EN 61009-1
1994
with integral overcurrent protection for
+ corr September 1994
household and similar uses (RCBO’s) —
Part 1: General rules
Limits and methods of measurement of
EN 55014
1993
radio disturbance characteristics of
electrical motor-operated and thermal
appliances for household and similar
purposes, electric tools and similar
electric apparatus

IEC 61000-4-3

IEC 61000-4-4

1995

IEC 61000-4-5
IEC 61000-4-6

IEC 61008-1
(mod)

1990

+ A1

1992

IEC 61009-1
(mod)

1991

CISPR 14

1993

© BSI 2006

EN/HD

Year

13

BS EN
61543:1996

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