IEC 61557-6:2019 PDF

Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V AC and 1 500 V DC - Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures - Part 6: Effectiveness of residual current devices (RCD) in TT, TN and IT systems

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Title (English):

IEC 61557-6:2019

Document status:: Active
Format:: Electronic (PDF)
Number of pages:: 46
Publication date:: July 26, 2019
Edition:: IEC IS 61557 edition 3 version 1
ICS:: 17.220.20

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Description (English):

IEC 61557-6:2019 specifies the requirements applicable to measuring equipment for testing the effectiveness of protective measures of residual current devices (RCD) installed in TT, TN and IT systems. It is not the purpose of this document to verify the RCD according to their product standards. IEC 61557-6:2019 cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2007. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) addition of requirements for testing a new type of RCD; b) addition of requirements for type B RCDs (former Annex B); c) addition of new Annex B on recommended tripping times; d) alignment of the structure with that of the whole IEC 61557 series.

Technical details

Technical committee: TC 85 - Measuring equipment for electrical and electromagnetic quantities
SKU: IEC 61557-6:2019

Abstract

Overview

IEC 61557-6:2019 is the international standard that defines requirements for measuring equipment used to test the effectiveness of residual current devices (RCDs) in low-voltage distribution systems (up to 1 000 V AC and 1 500 V DC) installed in TT, TN and IT systems. It covers the capabilities, tests and marking/operating instructions for instruments that perform regular disconnection tests of RCDs. This part of the IEC 61557 series is intended for test equipment - not for verifying RCDs against their product standards.

This third edition (2019) replaces the 2007 edition and introduces significant updates: requirements for testing a new RCD type, formal inclusion of type B RCD requirements, a new Annex B on recommended tripping times, and structural alignment with the wider IEC 61557 series.

Key topics and technical requirements

Scope and application: Measurement equipment for effectiveness testing of RCDs in TT, TN and IT systems (not a product verification standard).
Test functions: Requirements for tripping tests (measurement of trip current), non‑tripping tests, fault-voltage indication and measurement of trip time.
Test waveforms: Use of sinusoidal or mains-derived quasi-sinusoidal test currents for tripping tests.
Measurement categories: Equipment used on distribution systems must meet measurement category III (per IEC 61010-2-030); for electrical equipment use category II.
Safety and probes: Test leads and probes must conform to IEC 61010-031.
Accuracy and uncertainty: Clauses address operating uncertainty and calculation methods for measurement accuracy.
Overvoltage and higher-voltage testing: Procedures and requirements for fault voltages exceeding nominal system voltage and overvoltage conditions.
Marking & instructions: Mandatory marking, explicit indication of test-current waveform, and operating instructions for safe and correct use.
Annexes: Normative Annex A for type B RCD measuring equipment and informative Annex B with recommended tripping times.

Practical applications

Commissioning and periodic verification of RCD performance in commercial, industrial and residential low-voltage installations.
Selection and design of portable RCD testers and multifunction installation testers by test-equipment manufacturers.
Routine inspection and maintenance procedures for electricians, field service technicians and safety engineers.
Creation of test procedures and checklists for electrical contractors, inspection bodies and asset managers concerned with electrical safety and compliance.

Who should use this standard

Electrical test equipment manufacturers
Electrical installers and commissioning teams
Maintenance engineers and facility managers
Inspection and certification bodies
Safety and compliance professionals

Related standards

IEC 61557-1 (general requirements for testing equipment)
IEC/TR 60755, IEC 60947-2, IEC 61008, IEC 61009 (product and application references)
IEC 61010 family (safety requirements for measurement equipment)

Keywords: IEC 61557-6, RCD testing, residual current devices, TT TN IT systems, low-voltage distribution, electrical safety, type B RCD, trip time, tripping tests.

Related standards

Standards mentioned in the description

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Scope and application: Measurement equipment for effectiveness testing of RCDs in TT, TN and IT systems (not a product verification standard).
Test functions: Requirements for tripping tests (measurement of trip current), non‑tripping tests, fault-voltage indication and measurement of trip time.
Test waveforms: Use of sinusoidal or mains-derived quasi-sinusoidal test currents for tripping tests.
Measurement categories: Equipment used on distribution systems must meet measurement category III (per IEC 61010-2-030); for electrical equipment use category II.
Safety and probes: Test leads and probes must conform to IEC 61010-031.
Accuracy and uncertainty: Clauses address operating uncertainty and calculation methods for measurement accuracy.
Overvoltage and higher-voltage testing: Procedures and requirements for fault voltages exceeding nominal system voltage and overvoltage conditions.
Marking & instructions: Mandatory marking, explicit indication of test-current waveform, and operating instructions for safe and correct use.
Annexes: Normative Annex A for type B RCD measuring equipment and informative Annex B with recommended tripping times.

Practical applications

Commissioning and periodic verification of RCD performance in commercial, industrial and residential low-voltage installations.
Selection and design of portable RCD testers and multifunction installation testers by test-equipment manufacturers.
Routine inspection and maintenance procedures for electricians, field service technicians and safety engineers.
Creation of test procedures and checklists for electrical contractors, inspection bodies and asset managers concerned with electrical safety and compliance.

Who should use this standard

Electrical test equipment manufacturers
Electrical installers and commissioning teams
Maintenance engineers and facility managers
Inspection and certification bodies
Safety and compliance professionals

Related standards

IEC 61557-1 (general requirements for testing equipment)
IEC/TR 60755, IEC 60947-2, IEC 61008, IEC 61009 (product and application references)
IEC 61010 family (safety requirements for measurement equipment)

Keywords: IEC 61557-6, RCD testing, residual current devices, TT TN IT systems, low-voltage distribution, electrical safety, type B RCD, trip time, tripping tests.

IEC 61557-6:2019 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications

Who should use this standard

Related standards

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications

Who should use this standard

Related standards

Related standards

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