SENTRON

Residual Current
Protective Devices
Technology primer

Answers for infrastructure and cities.

72
Preface

Whether for protecting, switching, monitoring or measuring –

low-voltage circuit protection devices from Siemens perform a
wide range of functions for all applications in the area of electrical
installation technology. They are suitable for use in residential
buildings, non-residential buildings or industrial applications and
thus allow you to maintain control over all electrical circuits.

This is especially important when it comes to selecting and

installing the appropriate residual current protective device.
With this primer, we provide you with a simple tool for perfectly
adapting the respective residual current protective device to the
requirements of the electrical installation in question. Apart from
general information on residual current protective devices, it
contains important details regarding installation and use. You can
therefore be assured that you will always choose the right device.

Your team
Low-Voltage Circuit Protection

1
 Contents
Introduction 6
1  Protection through residual current protective devices 7
1.1 Additional protection ­
(previously "Protection against direct contact") with
I∆n ≤ 30 mA 7
1.2  Fault protection (protection against indirect contact) 10
1.3  Fire protection 11
2 Residual current protective devices 12
2.1  Types of residual current protective devices 12
2.1.1 Type AC 14
2.1.2 Type A 14
2.1.3 Type F 14
2.1.4 Type B 16
2.1.5 Type B+ 16
2.2  Classification of residual current protective devices 16
2.3  Basic design and method of operation  18
2.3.1 Type A RCCB 18
2.3.2 SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive RCCB
Type B and Type B+ 20
2.4 Features and application areas  21
2.4.1 RCCB 21
2.4.2 RCBO (Type AC/Type A, Type F) 21
• Installation with a central RCCB 22
• Installation with RCBOs 23
2.4.3 SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive RCCB
Type B and Type B+ 24
2.4.4 SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive RCBO
Type B and Type B+ 28
2.4.5 RC units for installation on miniature circuit breakers 28
2.4.6 SIGRES RCCB (for harsh ambient conditions) 29
2.4.7 Type K , super-resistant 29
2.4.8 Type S , selective 31
2.4.9 Versions for 50 to 400 Hz 32
2.4.10 Versions for 500 V operational voltage  32
2.4.11 Residual current operated circuit breaker with
N-connection on the left side  32
2.5 Additional components for residual current operated
circuit breakers 33
2.5.1 Remote controlled operating mechanism (RC) 33
2.5.2 Auxiliary switch 33

2
3 Notes on installation and use  34
3.1 General notes 34
3.1.1 Selection of protective devices 34
3.1.2 Use of residual current protective devices 35
3.2 Choosing the right residual current protective device 38
3.2.1 Type A, Type F or Type B/Type B+? 39
3.2.2 What protection goal must be achieved? 39
• Additional protection 39
• Fault protection 39
• Fire protection 40
3.2.3 What electrical interference occurs and
how is it handled? 41
3.2.3.1 Leakage currents  41
• Static leakage currents 41
• Dynamic leakage currents 41
3.2.3.2 High load currents 42
3.2.3.3 Overvoltages and surge current load 42
3.3 Special features regarding the use of SIQUENCE
universal current-sensitive residual current protective
devices (Type B and Type B+)  43
3.3.1 Applications 43
3.3.2 Residual currents at different fault locations,
with a frequency converter (FC) as an example 44
• Fault locations in section 1 (upstream of the FC)  44
• Fault locations in section 2 (in the FC) 45
• Fault locations in section 3 (downstream of the FC)  46
• Frequency components in the residual current of a
frequency converter 47
3.3.3 Configuration 48
3.3.4 Causes of excessive leakage currents and
possibilities of reducing them 49
3.4 Back-up protection 51
3.5 Protection against thermal overload 54
3.6 Troubleshooting 54
3.7 Leakage current measurement 55
3.8 4-pole residual current operated circuit breakers in a
3-pole network 57
4 Residual current monitoring devices (RCM) 57
5 Outlook 59
Appendix 60
Index of figures and tables 70

3
 Residual current operated circuit breaker (RCCB)
5SM3
• Type AC, Type A and Type F
• In = 16 … 125 A
• I∆n = 10 mA … 1 A
• 2-pole (1+N) and 4-pole (3+N)
• N connection at left and right
• SIGRES for harsh ambient
conditions
• Version K and S
• 500 V version
• 50 … 400 Hz version
SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive residual current
operated circuit breaker (RCCB)

5SM3
• Type B, Type B+
• In = 16 … 80 A
• I∆n = 30, 300 and 500 mA
• 2-pole (1+N) and 4-pole (3+N)
• Version K and S

SIQUENCE RCBO
5SU1
• Type B, Type B+
• In = 100 ... 125 A
• I∆n = 30, 300 mA and 1 A
• 4-pole
• Circuit breaker characteristic C and D
• Rated switching capacity 10 KA
• Version K and S

4
RC unit for combination with a miniature circuit breaker
5SM2
• For mounting on a miniature
circuit breaker
• Combined electric shock and line
protection
• Type AC, Type A and Type F
• In = 0.3 … 100 A
• I∆n = 10 mA … 1 A
• 2-, 3- and 4-pole
• Version K and S

RCBO; combination units

5SU1
• Combined electric shock and line
protection
• Type AC, Type A and Type F
• In = 6 … 40 A
• I∆n = 10 … 300 mA
• Circuit breaker characteristic B and C
• Rated switching capacity 4.5 kA,
6 kA and 10 kA
• 1+N-pole, 2-pole
• N connection at right and left

Residual current monitoring devices (RCM)

5SV8
• Residual current monitoring
• Type AC and Type A
• I∆n = 0.03 ... 30 A
• Response time 0.02 ... 10 s
• Summation current transformer
20 ... 210 mm

5
 Introduction

When dealing with electricity, safety has top priority. Every

electrician must be particularly conscientious when safety is
concerned and must apply the required protective measures
correctly.
In consumer’s installations, residual current protective devices
must be given unreserved preference over alternative protective
devices.
In addition to fault protection (protection in cases of indirect
contact), residual current protective devices with rated residual
currents up to 30 mA also provide “additional protection” in cases
of direct contact. Fires caused by ground-fault currents can also be
prevented at a very early stage.

In many cases, the DIN VDE standards require the use of residual
current protective devices. Electricians should therefore make
sure that they are fully informed about residual current protective
devices.

In addition to information on the protective effect of residual

current protective devices, an understanding of how the devices
function is also conveyed.
In order to optimally adapt the use of residual current protective
devices to the requirements of the electrical installation, the
functionality of the different versions of residual current protective
devices is discussed and the user is given practical installation and
application tips.

6
1 Protection through residual current protective devices
The basic prerequisite for use of a residual current protective
device in order to automatically disconnect the power supply as
a protective measure is that an appropriately grounded protective
conductor is connected to the system components and equipment
to be protected. Current can then pass through a human body only
when two faults occur (interruption of the PE conductor in addition
to a fault in the insulation) or when there is unintentional contact
between live parts.

1.1 Additional protection (previously "Protection against

direct contact") with I∆n ≤ 30 mA
Additional protection is understood to mean protection which
takes effect if there is direct contact of a human body with a part
normally live during operation in the event of basic and/or fault
protection failing. When a human body touches live parts, two
resistors connected in series determine the intensity of the flowing
current – the internal resistance of the human body Rm and the
transfer resistance of the location Rst (Figure 1).

L1
L2
L3
N
PE
RCCB
I∆n ≤30 mA

Rm
IM

RB Rst

Figure 1: Additional protection: Residual current protective device with

I∆n ≤ 30 mA in the TN system

In order to consider the accident properly, the worst case scenario

where the transfer resistance of the location is near zero must be
assumed.

7
 The resistance of the human body depends on the current path
and the contact resistance of the skin. Measurements have shown
e.g. approximately 1,000 Ω for the flow of current from hand to
hand or from hand to foot. Under these assumptions, a touch
voltage of 230 V results in a dangerous shock current of 230
mA. Figure 2 shows the current intensity/exposure time curves
in relation to the physiological reactions of the human body.
Dangerous current intensities and exposure times are those which
reach as far as zone 4, as they can cause death due to ventricular
fibrillation. It also shows the tripping ranges of the residual current
protective devices with rated residual currents of 10 mA and
30 mA. It also shows the maximum permissible tripping times
according to VDE 0664-10.
As can be seen from the tripping curves, residual current protective
devices do not limit the intensity of the residual current but provide
protection due to fast disconnection of the power and therefore a
minimal time of exposure to the current.
Protection against direct contact (additional protection) with I∆n ≤ 30 mA

Zone : Exposure is normally imperceptible.

Zone : There are generally no injurious effects or muscle spasms.
Zone : Muscle cramps can occur. There is normally no danger of ventricular fibrillation.
Zone : Ventricular fibrillations may occur

Figure 2: Effects of 50/60 Hz alternating current on the human body

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The tripping curve of residual current protective devices with
a rated residual current of I∆n ≤ 10 mA is in zone 2 below the
release limit. Medically damaging effects and muscle cramps do
not usually occur (see Figure 2). They are therefore suitable for
sensitive areas, such as bathrooms.
Residual current protective devices with a rated residual current of
I∆n ≤ 30 mA fulfill the conditions for additional protection against
electric shock (see Figure 2):
– in the event of unintentional, direct contact with parts that
are live when operational (e.g. failure of the basic insulation,
operation for other than the intended purpose, ineffective basic
protection)
– in the event of carelessness on the part of the user (e.g. use
of defective equipment, incorrectly repaired components and
equipment)
– in the event of contact with defective live parts (e.g. loss of
protection against faults due to interruption of the protective
conductor).
The use of residual current protective devices with a rated
residual current of up to 30 mA has proven to be effective as
additional protection in the event of failure of the basic protection
precautions (protection against direct contact) and/or fault
protection precautions (protection against indirect contact) as
well as in the event of carelessness on the part of the user when
using electrical equipment. However, this should not be the only
way of providing protection against electric shock This does not
replace the need for further protective measures as required by
DIN VDE 0100-410.
The requirement for "additional protection" with residual current
protective devices according to sections 411.3.3 and 415.1 of
DIN VDE 0100-410 does not mean that how this protection is used
is up to the user. This additional protection can be required in
conjunction with other protection measures under certain external
influences and in certain special areas.
In several parts of the standards of sections 4 and 7 of
DIN VDE 0100, this additional protection is required or expressly
recommended (see Appendix). Some important requirements are
explained below in more detail as examples.

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 In the generally applicable standard for protection against electric
shock (DIN VDE 0100-410:2007-06, the use of residual current
protective devices with a rated residual current of ≤ 30 mA is
required as additional protection for
– all socket outlets with a rated current of ≤ 20 A if they are
intended for use by non-experts and for general use
– final circuits for portable items of equipment used outdoors with
a rated current of ≤ 32 A.
Note:
In DIN VDE 0100-410:06-2007, two exceptions from these requirements are
indicated but they are not usually applicable in the majority of applications.
The requirement of the standard for additional protection can be avoided
only in the case of socket outlets which are only used by qualified electri-
cians and persons who have received appropriate technical instruction (e.g.
in electrical workshops) or if it has been ensured that the socket outlet is
only used permanently for a "specific item of equipment".

According to standard DIN VDE 0100-723:2005-06 "Requirements

for special installations, locations or plants - classrooms with
experimental equipment", Type B residual current protective
devices with a rated residual current of ≤ 30 mA must be used for
supplying power to the experimental equipment and its circuits in
TN or TT systems.

1.2 Fault protection (previously “Protection against indirect

contact”)
Fault protection is understood to mean the contact of a human
body with a part that is not live in operation but is electrically
conductive. In these cases, the demand is for automatic
disconnection of the power supply when a fault can pose a risk due
to the intensity and duration of the touch voltage.
Residual current protective devices with rated residual currents
of over 30 mA are also suitable for this purpose. The tripping
conditions must be complied with to achieve the protective effect.
In addition, the dangerous touch voltage must not be present for
an impermissible length of time, taking into consideration the
grounding resistance and the rated residual current.

10
 Rm
IM

Rst

Figure 3: Fault protection in the TN system

1.3 Fire protection

DIN VDE 0100-482 requires measures for the prevention of fires
which can be caused by insulation faults in “locations exposed
to fire hazards”. This stipulates that cables and conductors in TN
and TT systems must be protected by means of residual current
protective devices with a rated residual current of I∆n ≤ 300 mA.
This does not include mineral-insulated cables and busbar systems.
In applications in which resistive faults can cause a fire (e.g.
radiant ceiling heating with panel heating elements), the rated
residual current must be I∆n = 30 mA.
The fire protection provided by residual current protective devices,
however, should not be limited to locations exposed to fire hazards
but should always be provided.

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 2 Residual current protective devices
2.1 Types of residual current protective devices
Residual current protective devices are distinguished from one
another in respect of their suitability for detecting different forms
of residual current (Figure 4).
Current
Correct functioning of residual current protective   Tripping current

waveform devices of Type
AC A F B B+
kHz

• • • • • 0.5 to 1.0 I∆n

– • • • • 0.35 to 1.4 I∆n

– • • • • Start angle 90°

0.25 to 1.4 I∆n

• • • • Start angle 135°

0.11 to 1.4 I∆n

– • • • • max. 1.4 I∆n + 6 mA (Type

A) + 10 mA (Type F)

+ 0.4 I (Type B/B+) ∆n

  0.5 to 1.4 I∆n

– – • • •

0.5 to 2.0 I∆n

– – – • •
Figure 4: Classification of residual current protective devices into different
types with tripping ranges

Residual current with different waveforms can occur depending

on the electronic switching in the circuit. Since residual current
protective devices differ in their suitability for detecting residual
current waveforms, the relevant load input circuit must be taken
into account when such a device is chosen.

Table 1 shows electronic circuits and their possible load and

residual currents, along with the suitable types of residual current
protective device in each case.

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Table 1: Possible residual current waveforms and suitable residual current
protective devices

13
 2.1.1 Type AC
Type AC residual current protective devices are suitable only for
detecting sinusoidal AC residual currents (see circuits 1 to 3 in
Table 1). This device type is not authorized in every country (e.g.
Germany as per DIN VDE 0100-530) for residual current protection
and cannot carry the VDE mark of conformity.

2.1.2 Type A
Type A residual current protective devices detect pulsating DC
residual currents in addition to sinusoidal AC residual currents.
This type of device is the most commonly used pulse current-
sensitive residual current protective device in Germany. It can
therefore also handle the residual current waveforms which
can occur in the power supply units of single-phase loads with
electronic components (e.g. ECG, dimmer switches). Smooth
DC residual currents up to 6 mA do not affect the trip properties
unacceptably. This type of residual current protective device is
suitable for electronic equipment with input current circuits
1 to 6 in Table 1.

2.1.3 Type F
Type F residual current protective devices detect all residual current
types as do Type A. Additionally, they are suitable for detecting
residual currents from mixed frequencies of up to 1 kHz.
This will also be able to cope with the possible residual current
waveforms on the output side of single-phase connected frequency
converters (e.g. in washing machines, pumps). Smooth DC residual
currents up to 10 mA do not affect the trip properties
unacceptably. Type F residual current protective devices
additionally have short-time delayed tripping and enhanced
current withstand capability. They are suitable for electronic
equipment with input current circuits 1 to 7 in Table 1.

14
 Figure 5: Classification of residual current protective devices (RCDs)

15
 2.1.4 Type B
In addition to detecting residual current waveforms of Type F,
residual current protective devices of Type B are used to detect
smooth DC residual currents. Residual current protective devices of
this type are suitable for use in 50/60 Hz three-phase AC systems,
but not in DC voltage systems or where frequencies differ from
50/60 Hz as on the output side of frequency converters. They can
be used for all input current circuits listed in Table 1, i.e. also for
those identified with numbers 8 to 13. Tripping values defined up
to 2 kHz.

2.1.5 Type B+
The same conditions apply for Type B+ residual current protective
devices as for Type B residual current protective devices. It is only
that the frequency range for the detection of residual currents is
extend to 20 kHz: The device will trip within this frequency range
below 420 mA.

2.2 Classification of residual current protective devices

Residual current protective devices are classified according to their
various versions (see Figure 5).
– RCD is the generic term for all types of residual current protective
device.
– RCCBs are residual current operated circuit breakers without
integral overcurrent protection known in Germany as
Fehlerstrom-Schutzschalter (FI-Schutzschalter).
– RCBOs are devices which feature an integrated overcurrent
protection unit for overload and short-circuit protection in
addition to protection against residual currents.
Another version in this device group is the residual current
unit (RC unit). The customer can then mount the miniature
circuit breaker versions suitable for a particular application
(characteristic, rated current, switching capacity) on these
RC units. Once assembled, these devices perform the same
functions as an RCBO. The RC unit provides residual-current
detection but has no contacts of its own; in the event of a fault,
it trips the miniature circuit breaker which opens the contacts
and interrupts the circuit.

16
Given their tripping conditions, only versions of RCCBs and RCBOs
which are independent of the supply voltage are approved for
AC residual currents and pulsating residual currents (Type A)
in Germany and in most other European countries as a means
of providing protection with disconnection of the supply. Only
such RCCBs and RCBOs are permitted to bear the VDE mark of
conformity.
– CBRs are miniature circuit breakers with residual current
protection in accordance with EN 60947-2 (VDE 0660-
101), Appendix B. In this case, a residual-current detector
is permanently installed on a miniature circuit breaker, thus
ensuring residual current protection.
– MRCDs are modular devices, i.e. separate modules are provided
for residual current detection (via current transformers),
evaluation and tripping (via miniature circuit breakers) (in
accordance with EN 60947-2 (VDE 0660-101), Appendix M).
CBRs and MRCDs are especially intended for applications with
higher rated currents (> 125 A).
– PRCDs are portable residual current protective devices which
are integrated, for example, in connectors or in multiple socket
outlets.
– SRCDs are, according to DIN VDE 0662, non-portable residual
current protective devices which are integrated in a socket outlet
or form a single unit with a socket outlet.
PRCDs and SRCDs can be used to raise the level of protection for
applications in which the required protective measure is ensured
in some other manner. They are not permissible as a protective
measure with disconnection of the supply.

17
 2.3  Basic design and method of operation
2.3.1 RCCB Type A
A residual current operated circuit breaker of Type A essentially
consists of the following function groups:
– Summation current transformer for residual current detection
– Tripping circuit with components for evaluation and
holding magnet release for converting the electrical
measured variable into a mechanical latch release
– Breaker mechanism with contacts
Note: With the exception of the tripping circuit, the design of the Type AC
and Type F RCCBs is identical to that of Type A.

The summation current transformer comprises all conductors of

the circuit to be protected, including the neutral conductor. In a
fault-free system, the magnetic effects of the current-carrying
conductors are cancelled out in the summation current transformer.
There is no residual magnetic field which could induce voltage
onto the secondary winding of the transformer.
A residual magnetic field remains in the transformer core only
if residual current is flowing, e.g. due to an insulation fault in
the system to be protected (from the electrical point of view,
downstream of the residual current operated circuit breaker).
This generates a voltage in the secondary winding, effecting
disconnection of the circuit with the excessive touch voltage by
means of the holding magnet release and the breaker mechanism
(Figure 6).
Mechanics of the
protective device Secondary winding

Holding magnet
release Summation current transformer

Test button

Test resistor

Figure 6: Schematic representation of a residual current operated circuit

breaker

18
In accordance with the device standard EN 61008-1 (VDE 0664-10),
the device must disconnect within 300 ms at the rated residual
current.
In accordance with the product standard applicable in Germany,
Type A and Type F residual current operated circuit breakers must
function independently of supply voltage and auxiliary voltage
in all function groups (detection, evaluation, disconnection) in
order to achieve a consistently high level of reliability of the device
protection function.
The function of the trip element, which works independently of
the supply or auxiliary voltage, is shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7: Principle of operation of a holding magnet release

Immediately above the permanent magnet lies a magnetic shunt

whose primary task is to stabilize the permanent magnet's
magnetic flux. On one pole core, there is an excitation winding,
which is connected to the secondary winding of the summation
current transformer. If there is a ground fault in the main circuit, a
voltage is induced in the secondary winding of the summation
current transformer. The left part of the illustration shows the rest
position when the system is in a fault-free state. The permanent
magnet drives a magnetic flux between two cores of magnetically
soft material and stabilizes the armature through counteraction of
a spring force.
When a voltage is generated in the secondary winding of the
transformer (middle part of the illustration), this voltage drives a
current through the excitation winding. This generates a second
magnetic flux. The effect of the permanent magnetic field is
cancelled out in a half-wave by the second magnetic field (right-
hand part of the illustration).

19
 This allows the spring to pull the armature from the pole face.
The armature triggers the separation of the contacts by means of
the breaker mechanism. The transformer need only generate the
small amount of energy needed to cancel out the holding flux,
which trips the latch release of the energy store in the breaker
mechanism by means of the falling armature, and not the large
amount of energy needed to open the contacts.
The functionality of the residual current protective device can be
tested using the test button available on any device. Pressing the test
button generates an artificial residual current which must trip the
residual current protective device. In order to guarantee protection
against dangerous shock currents, the reliability of the RCCB must be
tested when the installation is commissioned and at regular intervals,
at least half-yearly (e.g. upon transition from daylight savings time to
standard time).

2.3.2 SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive RCCB

Type B and Type B+
This type of device has two detection systems. In accordance
with the DIN VDE 0664-100 specification applicable in Germany,
detection, evaluation and disconnection according to Type A
requirements are independent of the supply voltage. For physical
reasons, a voltage supply is required only for the detection of
smooth DC residual currents. The voltage is supplied by all line
supply cables.

Figure 8: Structure of a SIQUENCE Type B and Type B+ universal current-

sensitive RCCB

20
2.4 Features and application areas
2.4.1 RCCB
RCCBs are residual current protective devices without integrated
protection against overcurrent (overload and/or short circuit). A
corresponding overcurrent protective device must therefore be
assigned to them for overcurrent protection. The expected
operational current of the circuit can be used as a basis for assessing
the level of overload protection needed. The overcurrent protective
device must be selected according to the information provided by the
manufacturer of the residual current operated circuit breaker.
In order to meet these requirements regarding the availability of
the electrical installation (see section 3.1.2), final circuits are to be
divided up among several residual current protective devices.
If the protective device trips in the event of a fault or if manual
disconnection is necessary, all the circuits downstream from the
RCCB are disconnected from the power supply, whereby the phase
conductor and the neutral conductor are disconnected. This is an
advantage when troubleshooting is carried out in an installation
with fault-laden neutral conductors.
If residual current operated circuit breakers with a rated residual
current of 30 mA or less are used for additional protection, fault
protection is to be provided with an upstream selective residual
current protective device with a higher rated residual current or
with an overcurrent protection device. The protective device must
be installed at the beginning of the circuit.

2.4.2 RCBO Type AC , Type A , Type F

Residual current operated circuit breakers with overcurrent
protection (RCBOs) include residual current detection and
overcurrent protection in one device and thus enable a combination
of electric-shock protection, fire protection and line protection in one
device. The use of RCBOs has a series of advantages:
– Each circuit is assigned its own RCBO:
If the device is tripped due to a residual current, only the affected
circuit is disconnected. This is done in the same way as it has been
for years when the miniature circuit-breaker exclusively assigned to
a circuit trips due to overcurrent.
– Due to division of the circuits, the user profits from increased
operational safety and equipment availability because leakage
currents produced by electronic equipment, such as parts of power
supply systems, for operating reasons do not add up to produce
non-permissible values and exceed the tripping value of the RCCB.
21
 – Planning is simplified in that demand factors as in the case of
loads on residual current operated circuit breakers do not have to
be taken into account. The RCBO protects itself against overload.
– In the event of a fault, all poles are disconnected from the power
supply. All live parts are thus reliably disconnected from the
supply and troubleshooting is simplified.
These advantages led to a note in DIN VDE 0100-410
recommending the use of RCBOs as additional protection in final
circuits for outdoors and for socket outlets.
The requirements indicated in 3.1.2, namely that the circuits in
an electrical installation must always be divided up among several
residual current protective devices, can also be complied with
optimally by using RCBOs. In the following comparison of the
different methods of installation, the differences are described.

Installation with a central RCCB

Figure 9 shows a frequent type of installation with a central
RCCB, downstream of which several miniature circuit breakers are
connected for each phase conductor.

Figure 9: Installation with a central RCCB and miniature circuit breakers for
feeders

22
The RCCB provides electric-shock protection and fire protection as
well as the additional protection with I∆n ≤ 30 mA against direct
contact as required for certain circuits (e.g. in bathrooms). The
miniature circuit breaker prevents damage due to overloads or
short circuits. If the RCCB is tripped in one of the downstream
circuits due to a ground fault, all other circuits, even the fault-free
circuits, are disconnected from the voltage supply. Operation of
these parts of the installation can only be resumed after the fault
has been eliminated. The following factors must be taken into
account with this type of installation:
– For correct dimensioning of the installation in respect of the
residual current operated circuit breaker (RCCB), it must be
ensured that the RCCB is not overloaded due to excessively high
load currents (see section 3.5).
– In the de-energized state, the single-pole miniature circuit
breakers only disconnect the phase conductor from the network.
The neutral conductor remains connected to the load side.
Installation with RCBOs
Figure 10 contains an example of a future-oriented installation,
which meets all the requirements of the installation regulations
and planning stipulations.

1) 1) 1) 2) 1) 2) 2) 1)

1) Type A RCBO
2) Type F RCBO

Figure 10: Example of an installation with RCBOs

23
 Each individual socket-outlet circuit now has its own RCBO, which
provides complete fault, fire and line protection as well as additional
protection against direct contact. In the event of a fault, only the
affected circuit is disconnected from the supply.
The use of Type F RCBOs is recommended for washing machine, dryer
and dishwasher circuits. In the event of a fault in such appliances, cur-
rents with frequencies other than 50 Hz can occur for which
Type A RCBOs are not designed. In order to obtain increased safety
against inadvertent disconnection from the supply, e.g. due to lightning
overvoltages, the use of a super resistant RCBO, Type K , is recommend-
ed for protection of socket outlet circuits for refrigerators and freezers.
If RCBOs with a rated residual current of 30 mA or less are used, the
additional protection and fault protection can be provided with the
same RCBO. The RCBO must be installed at the beginning of the
circuit to be protected.
As an option, a selective RCCB with I∆n = 300 mA can be connected
upstream of the entire installation. This RCCB protects installations
with branches against faults and fire. If the stipulations of DIN 18015-
2:2000-08 and RAL RG 678:2004-09 are taken as the basis for the
same extent of equipment and for the same living area, the additional
space required in the circuit distribution board when the recommended
RCBOs are used is only slightly more than the space required in an
installation with separate RCCBs and miniature circuit breakers.

2.4.3 S
 IQUENCE universal current-sensitive RCCB
Type B and Type B+
Type A residual current protective devices – for sinusoidal AC
residual currents and pulsating DC residual currents – are not
capable of detecting possible smooth DC residual currents. Due to
pre-magnetization of the transformer, DC residual currents can even
result in the inability of Type A residual current protective devices to
detect AC residual currents.
For these reasons, Siemens introduced the universal current-sensitive
Type B residual current operated circuit breaker, which is also used for
smooth DC residual currents, in 1994, the first manufacturer to do
so. Since then, the required residual current operated circuit breaker
technology can be used in many applications in which smooth DC
residual currents occur.
As universal current-sensitive residual current operated circuit
breakers are used for the widest variety of applications, these are
always also designed for use under harsh ambient conditions like our
SIGRES version (see paragraph 2.4.6).

24
In addition to the residual current waveforms described above,
AC residual currents of different frequencies can originate
in the case of electronic components, for instance on the outgoing
side of a frequency converter (also see section 3.3.2).
Type A RCCBs are not designed for this purpose.
The Type B residual current operated circuit breakers intended for
use in three-phase systems (not in DC voltage systems) are therefore
specified in draft DIN VDE 0664-100 (for RCCBs) and draft
DIN VDE 0664-200 (for RCBOs) in the extended tripping conditions
up to 2 kHz. The tripping characteristics of the SIQUENCE universal
current-sensitive Type B RCCBs with rated residual currents of 30 mA
and 300 mA are shown in Figure 11.
The tripping value of the circuit breaker always lies within the limit
values of the device specification and, for 30 mA rated residual
current, is well below the limit curve for dangerous ventricular
fibrillation (according to IEC 60479-2).

Frequency response characteristics of the SIQUENCE Type B universal current-sensitive RCCB

Figure 11: Type B frequency-dependent tripping current

Note: The lines illustrated are typical patterns. Deviations up to the limit
values of the standard are possible.

25
 To protect against fires caused by ground-fault currents, the use of
residual current protective devices with a rated residual current of up
to 300 mA has proven itself to be effective.
This is derived from the assumption that approximately 70 W is
sufficient to cause a fire. The tripping values of the SIQUENCE
universal current-sensitive Type B RCCB increase with higher
frequencies. However, since residual current contains high-frequency
and low-frequency components (see section 3.3.2), an effective
contribution to fire protection in the case of ground-fault currents
can also be achieved with a tripping characteristic which rises with
the frequency. The positive effect of the increasing tripping current
is a higher degree of operational safety for the system as a whole,
since leakage currents from capacitors can lead to a reduced level of
unwanted tripping of the RCCB.
The dimensioning of the SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive
Type B RCCB's frequency response takes these boundary conditions into
account, and represents a solid compromise between fire protection
and operational safety. Since the influence of existing capacitive
leakage currents on the tripping of the RCCB is clearly limited, the RCCB
can be used in a significantly larger number of applications.
The use of Type B+ residual current protection devices is
recommended if the use of residual current protection devices with
rated residual currents of max. 300 mA is required in accordance with
DIN VDE 0100-482 “Fire protection against special risks or hazards”
in connection with DIN VDE 0100-530. They meet all requirement of
the well-known Type B, but remain below the tripping value of
420 mA at up to 20 kHz in accordance with product standards DIN
VDE 0664-400 (RCCBs) and DIN VDE 0664-401 (RCBOs) as well as
VdS Guideline 3501, thus offering an increased level of preventive
fire protection.

High-intensity leakage currents can occur briefly when capacitors

connected to the PE protective conductor are switched on (e.g. in
the case of EMC filters in conjunction with frequency converters).
In order to ensure trouble-free operation in such cases, the
SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive Type B and Type B+ RCCBs
are always super-resistant and feature short-time delayed tripping
(Type K ).

26
Frequency response characteristics of the SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive Type B+ RCCB

10000

Tripping values for rated residual current 30 mA

Tripping values for rated residual current 300 mA
Tripping current (mA)

Upper limit according to DIN V VDE V 0664-110 and DIN V VDE V 0664-210 for 30 mA
Upper limit according to DIN V VDE V 0664-110 and DIN V VDE V 0664-210 for 300 mA

1000

100

G_I201_DE_18122
10
1 10 100 1000 10000
Frequency (Hz)

Figure 12: Type B+ frequency-dependent tripping current

Note: The lines illustrated are typical patterns. Deviations up to the limit
values of the standard are possible.

In order to fulfill the tripping conditions for protection against

indirect contact (fault protection) using the SIQUENCE universal
current-sensitive RCCB, its tripping characteristics at different
frequencies and the frequency spectra occurring in the application
at the fault location must be taken into account.
On the assumption of unfavorable conditions (high clock pulse
rate of a frequency converter; also see section 3.3.2), the maximum
permissible grounding resistances listed below are recommended:

Rated residual current Maximum permissible grounding

resistance at touch voltage
50 V 25 V
30 mA 120 Ω 60 Ω
300 mA 16 Ω1) 8 Ω1)
500 mA 10 Ω 5Ω
1) The value may be up to 120 Ω at 50 V and 60 Ω at 25 V for Type B+

Table
 2: Recommended maximum grounding resistances for SIQUENCE
universal current-sensitive Type B and Type B+ RCCBs

27
 2.4.4 S
 IQUENCE universal current-sensitive RCBO
Type B and Type B+
The principle of detection on which the SIQUENCE Type B universal
current-sensitive RCBO is based is identical to that on which the
SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive RCCB is based and operates in
accordance with VDE 0664-200 (applicable standard in Germany)
and DIN V VDE V 0664-210 (Type B+) independently of the supply
voltage with regard to the requirements for Type A.
With regard to the response to residual currents and the protective
functions, the same statements and specifications which apply to
the SIQUENCE Type B / Type B+ universal current-sensitive RCCB are
applicable.
RCBOs combine in one unit the protection functions of electric-
shock and fire protection along with line protection.
Thanks to the integrated overcurrent protection feature, intrinsic
thermal protection of the device is ensured automatically without
further adaptation to upstream/downstream overload protection
systems.
In addition to those advantages mentioned in section 2.4.2, direct
allocation of a SIQUENCE Type B universal current-sensitive RCBO to
a circuit offers the following special advantages over an RCCB and
multiple miniature circuit breakers in the outgoing circuit:
– the maximum possible leakage current
(0.3 * I∆n) can be used in each feeder.
– As in the case of overcurrent, tripping due to residual current
disconnects only the affected branch from the supply voltage
– High system availability, since the fault-free part of the system is
still supplied with power.

2.4.5 RC units for installation on miniature circuit breakers

RC units are suitable for installation on miniature circuit breakers in
accordance with EN 61009-1 (VDE 0664-20):2000-09, Appendix G.
The customer can combine these RC units with an appropriate
miniature circuit breaker to generate the same functionality as the
factory-built RCBOs.
A large number of different combinations can be made up from
the available RC unit and miniature circuit breaker product ranges
without having to stock a large number of products. This results in
important advantages:
– High degree of application flexibility

28
– Customized combination of device features from RC unit (rated
residual current, instantaneous or selective) and miniature circuit
breaker (rated current, characteristic, switching capacity)
– The device combination offers all advantages of an RCBO as
regards electric-shock, fire and line protection

2.4.6 SIGRES RCCB (for harsh ambient conditions)

When residual current protective devices are used under severe
environmental conditions with increased emissions of corrosive
gases, for instance in
– indoor swimming pools (chlorine gas; ozone),
– farming (ammonia),
– industry (sulfur dioxide),
they are subject to a significantly higher load.
These gases, in conjunction with humidity, have a corrosive effect
on all metal components and therefore also on the metal surfaces
of the holding magnet release.
The SIGRES residual current operated circuit breakers are suitable
for such applications and their patented active condensation
protection feature gives them a significantly longer service life.
Direct heating of the holding magnet release produces a slightly
higher temperature on the metal components with only minimum
power required. Since condensation of the humid air enriched with
corrosive gases is thereby avoided, corrosion cannot take place,
resulting in a longer service life of the devices.
A power supply is required for heating. If the RCCB is also used for
a longer period of time while in a disconnected state, the direction
of the incoming supply (from below) must be observed. This
ensures that heating is possible in this case as well. The protective
function of the RCCB continues to remain absolutely independent
of the supply voltage as required by the product standard.

2.4.7 Type K , super-resistant

Leakage currents and residual currents arising from the operation
of electrical equipment cannot be distinguished. The reaction to
both is the same. If a temporary high leakage current occurs, it is
neither necessary nor desirable to disconnect the load from the
supply. If electronic equipment is used with capacitors connected
against the protective conductor in order to eliminate faults,
inadvertent tripping of the RCCB can occur when the equipment is
switched on.

29
 In order to avoid this disconnection, the use of super-resistant
residual current protective devices is recommended. They trip with
a time delay and are designated as Type K devices.
As far as the product standards EN 61008-1 (RCCBs) and
EN 61009-1 (RCBOs) are concerned, there are only two types of device:
– Standard
– Selective
For these types of device, the limit values for the break times
are defined. In accordance with the standard, the super-resistant
residual current protective devices are instantaneous versions.

Figure 13: Break time tA as a function of the tripping current I∆

Figure 13 shows the tripping range of the different versions of

residual current protective devices. It can be clearly seen that the
tripping ranges of the standard version and the super-resistant
version are identical in terms of the maximum value. Only the
minimum value is higher in the case of Type K . The Type S
responds selectively to these two versions.
The Type K super-resistant residual current protective devices
exploit the maximum permissible tripping range of the standard.
They have a minimum time delay of approximately 10 ms. In
other words, short-time leakage currents and high surge currents
(8/20 µs) are ignored for this length of time. Only when a residual
current flows for longer than the delay time is disconnection from
the supply initiated. Protection against electric shock is provided by
this residual current protective device too.
30
The devices can be used without restriction for all the protective
measures (with disconnection from the supply) required in the
installation conditions. The installation is not disconnected
unnecessarily and its availability is considerably increased.

2.4.8 Type S , selective

In order to achieve selective tripping in the case of series-
connected residual current protective devices in the event of a fault
scenario, both the rated residual current I∆n and the tripping time
of the devices must be staggered. The different permissible break
times of the standard and selective residual current protective
devices can be taken from Figure 14. Appropriate staggering of the
rated residual currents can also be seen in Figure 14.
Type S selective residual current protective devices also have a
very high current withstand capability of 5 kA (8/20 µs current
waveform). They are identified by the symbol S .

Figure 14: Layout of different residual current protective devices and their
tripping times

31
 2.4.9 Versions for 50 to 400 Hz
Because of the principle according to which they function, residual
current protective devices in their standard version are designed for
maximum efficiency in a 50/60 Hz network. The device
specifications and tripping conditions also relate to this frequency.
With increasing frequency, sensitivity normally decreases.
In order to be able to implement effective residual current
protection in networks up to 400 Hz (e.g. industrial systems),
suitable devices must be used.
Such residual current operated circuit breakers fulfill the tripping
conditions up to the specified frequency and provide corresponding
protection.

2.4.10 Versions for 500 V operational voltage

The standard versions of residual current protective devices, with
their creepage and clearances, are designed for networks up to
240/415 V alternating voltage.
Suitable residual current protective devices are available for
networks up to 500 V.

2.4.11 Residual current operated circuit breaker with

N-connection on the left side
Residual current operated circuit breakers, particularly in Germany,
are normally placed at the left of the miniature circuit breakers
but have the N-conductor connection on the right. This causes
problems with regard to integrated busbar connection. Residual
current operated circuit breakers in conjunction with miniature
circuit breakers therefore require a special busbar.
In order to make it possible use standard busbars whenever
required, four-pole residual current operated circuit breakers with
the N-connection on the left are also available.
The habit of installing the residual current operated circuit breakers
at the left of the miniature circuit breakers and using standard
busbar connections can thus be maintained.

32
2.5  dditional components for residual current operated
A
circuit breakers
2.5.1 Remote-controlled operating mechanism (RC)
Favored locations for remote-controlled operating mechanisms are
spacious or not continually manned work areas, such as water-
treatment plants or radio stations as well as automated plants for
energy and operations management.
The use of a remote-controlled operating mechanism allows
the user direct and immediate access to the installation even in
remote or hard-to-access locations. Fast reconnection to the supply
following a fault, in particular, saves considerable time and costs.
The remote-controlled operating mechanism is controlled by
means of a mechanical function selection switch. In the “OFF”
position, the remote-controlled mechanism is disabled and can also
be closed.
“RC OFF” prevents remote switching and allows only manual
actuation of the RCCB. This prevents unauthorized remote
switching during service assignments, for instance. In the "RC ON"
position, “Remote ON” and “Remote OFF” switching as well as local
operation are possible. If a fault trip occurs, the connected handles
on the RCCB and the remote-controlled operating mechanism are
set to the "OFF" position. The circuit breaker must only be reclosed
if the hazardous situation no longer exists. To reclose the breaker,
the operator must also acknowledge disconnection of the supply
with a RESET (OFF command) for the remote-controlled operating
mechanism.

Figure 15: Remote-controlled operating mechanism with RCCB

2.5.2 Auxiliary switch

Auxiliary switches can usually be retrofitted on the residual current
operated circuit breaker by the customer. They indicate the circuit
breaker’s switching state.
Three variants are possible (1 NO/1 NC; 2 NCs; 2 NOs).

33
 3 Notes on installation and use
3.1 General notes
3.1.1 Selection of protective devices
When selecting a suitable protective device for the protective
measure "automatic disconnection of the power supply" in
accordance with DIN VDE 0100-410 for fault protection the
conditions of disconnection depending on the supply system must
be taken into account.
Table 3 summarizes the relevant characteristic variables for the
conditions of disconnection from the supply.

Table 3: Characteristic variables for the conditions of disconnection in TN
and TT systems with rated voltages of 230/400 V AC

Table 3 shows the clear differences in respect of touch voltages

and the resulting touch currents in TN and TT systems. These
differences explain why the maximum permissible break times in
the TT system must be shorter than in the TN system in order to
provide the same protection.
Suitable protective devices are to be selected on this basis.
Table 4 provides an overview.

34
Table 4: Selection of protective devices in TN systems and in TT systems
with rated voltages of 230/400 V AC

3.1.2 Use of residual current protective devices

Residual current protective devices can be combined with any
other protective devices. Even if other protective measures are
already installed in an existing system, residual current protection
can still be used for this system or parts of it.
Almost any type of protective measure can be converted to
residual current protection with comparatively little effort.
According to the standard DIN VDE 0100-530, it is permissible,
where a residual current protection device with a rated
residual current of I∆n ≤ 30 mA is being used, to also use this
simultaneously to provide fault protection in the form of automatic
disconnection of the power supply and additional protection in
the event of direct contact. However, because this additional
protection by means of residual current protective devices with a
rated residual current that does not exceed 30 mA is envisaged
as additional protection for the event that precautions for

35
 basic protection and/or precautions for fault protection are not
successful, it is nevertheless recommended that the protective
functions be split up among different devices in order to fulfill both
of these protection goals.
In order to achieve maximum availability and operational safety,
the circuits must be divided up appropriately among several
residual current protective devices. These requirements are
specified in different documents:
– According to DIN VDE 0100-300 (VDE 0100-300):1996-01,
the circuits must be divided up in order to avoid hazards, limit
the consequences of faults, facilitate inspection, testing and
maintenance and take into account hazards which can be caused
by a fault in only one circuit, e.g. lighting failure.
– DIN 18015-1:2007-09 "Electrical Installations in Residential Buildings
Part 1: Planning Principles" requires that connection points for items
of current-using equipment be assigned to a circuit in such a way
that automatic tripping of the protective device assigned to this
circuit (e.g. overcurrent protective device, residual current protective
device) in the event of a fault or necessary manual disconnection
from the power supply only cause a small part of the customer's
installation to be disconnected from the supply.
– TAB 2007 (Technical Connecting Conditions) states that when
circuits are divided up, connection points for items of current-
using equipment be assigned to a circuit in such a way that
automatic tripping of the protective device assigned to this circuit
in the event of a fault or necessary manual disconnection from
the power supply only cause a part of the customer's installation
to be disconnected from the supply.
This means that: except when selective residual current protective
devices are used, the circuits are to be divided up in such a way
that tripping of a residual current protective device does not lead to
the failure of all circuits.
If a residual current protective device for other protection tasks (fault
protection, fire protection) is connected upstream of an RCD for
additional protection (rated residual current ≤ 30 mA), this second RCD
should always have a selective tripping characteristic (e.g. Type S ).

36
As shown in table 4, selective and standard residual current
protective devices achieve the maximum permissible tripping times
in both power supply systems. The following points must be noted
when residual current protective devices are used in Germany for
fault protection, fire protection and (in accordance with
DIN VDE 0100-530) additional protection:
● All poles of all active conductors – i.e. including the neutral
conductor – must always be disconnected.
● Only voltage-independent residual current protective devices

(Type A) are allowed.

● Purely AC-sensitive residual current protective devices (Type AC)

are not allowed.

37
 3.2 Choosing the right residual current protective device
Figure 16 can help users to select a suitable residual current
protective device.

Design
Selection
criterion
RCCB RCBO RC unit
RCCB RCBO RC unit

Type
B
Equipment, circuit as
per table 1
AC A F B+ kHz

Version Network, equipment,

K S
ambient conditions
SIGRES 500 V 50-400 Hz

Number of poles
Equipment
1+N 2 3 3+N 4

Rated residual current I∆n Installation

Protection objective regulations VDE
0100 - 410
Fault protection
Additional I∆n > 30mA - 530
protection Disconnection - 7xx
condition limited Fire protection - 482
I∆n ≤ 30mA maximum I∆n VDS 3501
(see table 4) I∆n ≤ 300mA

Rated current In Equipment

Disconnection
Only with RCBO, MCB condition in
characteristic accordance with VDE
0100 - 410 (see table
B C D 4) Equipment
Figure 16: Selection aid for finding the suitable residual current protective
device

38
Details are explained below.

3.2.1 Type A, Type F or Type B/Type B+?
The correct type of residual current protective device for each
application can be selected with the help of Table 1 (in accordance
with EN 50178/VDE 0160 “Electronic equipment for use in power
installations” and DIN VDE 0100-530 Section 531.3.1).
If the electronic equipment (e.g. a frequency converter) is operated directly
on the three-phase system and input circuits 8 to 13 are connected (see
Table 1), universal current-sensitive residual current operated circuit
breakers (Type B or B+) must be used. Type F residual current protective
devices shall be used (input current circuit 7 in the table) if higher
frequencies are to be expected in the residual current (e.g. frequency
converter in a 1+N network). It is sufficient to use Type A residual current
protective devices (sensitive to pulsating current) for all other applications.

3.2.2 What protection goal must be achieved?

Various protection goals must be achieved depending on the
application and location of use:
● Additional protection with a rated residual current of I
∆n ≤ 30 mA: These
RCDs are intended to provide additional protection against electric shock
in case of a failure of the other basic protective measures (protection
against direct contact) and/or for protection against faults (protection
against indirect contact) or in the event of carelessness by the user.
Their protection is effective up to a maximum frequency of 100 Hz.
All statements concerning the risk of ventricular fibrillation (up to
1 kHz) are at present only of limited validity at higher frequencies.
No reliable evidence is available regarding the impact of other
effects (thermal, electrolytic) on the human organism.

●  Fault protection with a rated residual current of I∆n > 30 mA:

Protection against electric shock can be provided with these rated
residual currents under fault conditions. The tripping conditions
of the respective power system must be complied with.
At frequencies higher than 100 Hz, protection in the event of
indirect touching must be provided and account must be taken
of the frequency response of the residual current operated circuit
breaker, the maximum permissible touch voltage (e.g. 50 V), the
critical frequency components in the residual current and the
maximum permissible grounding resistance determined from
these components (see also Section 2.4.3).

39
 ●  ire protection with a rated residual current I∆n ≤ 300 mA:
F
In installations
– at particular risk of fire (premises exposed to fire hazards),
– primarily made of flammable construction materials,
– containing irreplaceable goods of great value the installation
of residual current protection devices with rated residual currents
of no more than 300 mA is required in accordance with
DIN VDE 0100-482 in connection with DIN VDE 0100-530.
Exceptions are only permitted if mineralized lines and busbar
systems are used.
Type B+ residual current protection devices must be used in
the above-mentioned systems to increase the preventative fire
protection of electrical equipment with
input current circuits no. 8 through no. 13 (see Table 1).

40
3.2.3 What electrical interference occurs and how is it
handled?
3.2.3.1 Leakage currents
Leakage currents are currents that are leaked to ground although
the insulation is not faulty. They can be either static or dynamic,
and they trip the RCCB if the tripping value is exceeded.
These currents must therefore be taken into account when the
rated residual current I∆n of an RCCB is selected and, if necessary,
minimized, in order to ensure that the specified protection
requirements are met.
● Static leakage currents

Static leakage currents are continuously leaked to ground or the

PE conductor during normal operation of the load, even though
the insulation is not faulty. These currents are mainly leaked from
line and filter capacitors.
Stationary leakage currents in an existing system can be
measured with the 5SM1 930-0 leakage current measurement
device (see also Section 3.7).
For problem-free use of residual current protective devices in
practical applications, the stationary leakage current should be
≤ 0.3 * I∆n.
● Dynamic leakage currents

Dynamic leakage currents are transient currents to ground or the

PE conductor. They occur in the range from a few µs to a few ms,
especially when devices with filter circuits are switched. Their
duration depends on the time constant that is derived from the
circuit impedances, and above all on the switching device that is
used to connect the filter to the power supply.
Depending on the design of the filter circuit, short-time high
capacitance values to PE can arise because of the non-uniform
contact of the various switching contacts which are reduced to
low residual values to PE owing to the star connection of the
capacitors after the device has been fully closed.
These dynamic leakage currents can have a magnitude of a few
amperes and hence also trip instantaneous RCCBs with I∆n = 300 mA.
The peak value of the dynamic leakage current must be
determined in the PE conductor by means of an oscilloscope.

41
 The equipment must be arranged in an insulated setup, so that
the complete leakage current is able to flow back along the
measurement path.
The use of super-resistant residual current protective devices
(Type K ) is recommended to prevent unwanted tripping in these
kinds of application.

3.2.3.2 High load currents

Even if no leakage currents are present, an RCCB can still be
spuriously tripped as a result of high load currents (> 6x In). These
high load current peaks can lead to different magnetizations in
the magnetic strip core because the arrangement of the primary
conductors is not absolutely symmetrical and the secondary
winding on the circumference of the summation current
transformer for residual current detection is not completely closed,
so that a tripping signal is produced. Tripping can also result if the
magnetic field around the current carrying conductor is directly
irradiated onto the holding magnet release. High load current
peaks are especially common in conjunction with the direct-on-
line start of motors, lamp loads, heater windings, capacitive loads
(capacitances between L and N), and medical equipment such as
CT machines or X-ray equipment.
According to the product standard, RCCBs are resistant to spurious
tripping at up to six times the rated current.

3.2.3.3 Overvoltages and surge current load

During thunderstorms, atmospheric overvoltages in the form
of traveling waves can penetrate the installation via the supply
system and inadvertently trip residual current protective devices.
To prevent these spurious tripping operations, our residual current
protective devices
must pass a test with the standardized 8/20 µs surge current wave
(see Figure 17). In the product standard EN 61008 (VDE 0664),
this test is only stipulated for selective residual current protective
devices (i = 3 kA).
All versions of our Type A and B residual current operated circuit
breakers offer a significantly higher current withstand capability.
They consequently have a greatly reduced tendency to trip falsely
in practice.

42
The current withstand capability of the individual product series is
as follows:
– instantaneous at least 1 kA
– Type F and super-resistant Type K at least 3 kA
– selective (Type S ) at least 5 kA
Even in the standard versions, these values ensure good resistance
to false tripping, and this form of protective measure with rated
currents up to 30 mA can also be used for sensitive load circuits
(e.g. refrigerators).
Characteristics of a current
impulse acc. to DIN VDE 0432-2
Ts Front time in s
Tr Virtual time to half value on
tail in s
01 Virtual origin
Im Peak value

Figure 17: Surge current characteristic 8/20 µs

3.3 Special features regarding the use of SIQUENCE

universal current-sensitive residual current protective
devices (Type B and Type B+)
3.3.1 Applications
Typical applications that are vulnerable to smooth DC residual currents:
– Frequency converters with a three-phase connection
– Medical equipment such as X-ray equipment or CT machines
– Photovoltaic or UPS systems
– Connection points (wall boxes, charging stations) for electric
vehicles
– Elevator controllers
– Pipeline trace heating
– Test setups in laboratories
– Construction sites in accordance with BGI 608 information leaflet
(Electronic equipment on construction sites)
– Charging stations for battery-powered forklift trucks
– Cranes of all kinds
– Mixing plants if relevant loads are connected
– Variable-speed machine tools, such as milling and grinding
machines or lathes
43
 3.3.2 Residual currents at different fault locations, with a
frequency converter (FC) as an example
A frequency converter (FC) is considered below as a typical
example of equipment where different residual current waveforms
can occur depending on the fault location (see Figure 18).

Figure 18: Circuit with a SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive RCCB and a

frequency converter

Fault locations in section 1 (upstream of the FC)

Line-frequency AC residual currents occur between the RCCB and
the frequency converter (see Fig. 19). Protection against these
purely sinusoidal 50 Hz residual currents is provided by all RCCBs
(types AC, A, F and B). The section at risk is disconnected when the
tripping value in the range 0.5 to 1 I∆n is reached.

Figure 19: Residual current waveform at fault location 1

44
Fault locations in section 2 (in the FC)
Practically smooth DC residual currents occur in the frequency
converter (between the input rectifier and the output electronics,
i.e. in the DC link circuit) (see Fig. 20). There is reliable
disconnection in the range from 0.5 to 2 l∆n if a Type B universal
current-sensitive RCCB is used.

Figure 20: Residual current waveform at fault location 2

Types AC, A and F residual current protective devices are unable to offer
protection in these cases. The device does not trip because the DC
residual current does not cause any change over time in the
transformer induction of the RCCB which operates according to the
induction principle. A smooth DC residual current (or leakage current)
due to a creeping insulation fault leads to pre-magnetization of the
transformer material of Type AC, A and F residual current protective
devices. Figure 21 shows the difference between a transformer signal
without and with DC residual current superimposition. Without DC
residual current (I∆ d.c.), an AC residual current (I∆ a.c.) causes
modulation on the field strength axis H of magnitude I. In accordance
with characteristic magnetization curve M of the transformer a voltage
of magnitude II is induced. A DC residual current (I∆ d.c.) flowing via the
residual current protective device shifts the working point of the
transformer on the H axis. An AC residual current (I∆ a.c.) with the same
value as in the case without DC residual current causes modulation of
the same magnitude on the field strength axis H of magnitude III.
Although the change III has the same value as I, a significantly smaller
voltage of magnitude IV is induced in the transformer. If it is assumed
that a signal of size II is necessary for tripping, it becomes clear that the
considerably smaller signal IV is not sufficient for this.

45
 Only much higher AC residual currents would lead to attainment of the
necessary signal level. This shows that Type AC, A or F residual current
protective devices are no longer able to trip if a purely sinusoidal
residual current, which could otherwise be tripped without any
problems, occurs simultaneously. The desired protective function of the
residual current protective device is therefore no longer guaranteed.
I Modulation with AC
residual current I∆ a.c.
II Tripping signal generated
B
by I∆ a.c.
IV III Superimposition of DC
M
residual current I∆ d.c. with
AC residual current I∆ a.c.
II IV Tripping signal on
superimposition of DC
H
residual current I∆ d.c. with
AC residual current I∆ a.c.
I∆ total residual current
I B Inductance
III
H Field strength
I=I a.c. I=I d.c. +I a.c. M Magnetization characteristic
of the transformer

Figure 21: Pre-magnetization due to DC residual current

Fault locations in section 3 (downstream of the FC)

AC residual currents which deviate from the line frequency and
the sinusoidal waveform occur between the outgoing terminal of
the frequency converter and the motor. These currents represent a
frequency spectrum with different frequency components (see Fig. 22).
Smooth DC residual currents can also occur, depending on the
operating mode of the frequency converter (e.g. as a DC brake or a
DC pre-heater)

46 Figure 22: Residual current waveform at fault location 3

According to the product standard, Type AC, A and F RCCBs are only
designed to detect residual currents at 50/60 Hz. The tripping value
is therefore increased in an undefined way for higher frequency
components of the residual current. The intended protective effect
is usually lost as a result. Tripping conditions for frequencies up to
2 kHz are defined for Type B RCCBs.

Frequency components in the residual current of a frequency

converter
The frequency components in the residual current must be taken
into account in addition to the tripping characteristics of the RCCB
in order to assess the protective effect of this RCCB in conjunction
with a frequency converter. The following critical frequency
components occur at fault location 3:
• Clock frequency of the frequency converter (a few kHz)
• Motor frequency (normally 0 to 50 Hz, maximum frequency 1 kHz)
• 3rd harmonic of 50 Hz (150 Hz if the frequency converter has a
three-phase connection)
Figure 23 shows a typical example of the frequency components
that can flow across a fault impedance of 1 kΩ in the area of fault
location 3 (see Figure 22).
The clock frequency accounts for a smaller percentage of the total
residual current as the motor frequency increases, while the motor
frequency accounts for a correspondingly higher percentage.
This behavior is characteristic of many different frequency
converter versions.

Figure 23: Frequency components in the residual current based on the 47

example of a frequency converter
 3.3.3 Configuration
Type B / Type B+ universal current-sensitive residual current
protective devices must be used if smooth or nearly smooth DC
residual currents can occur in the event of a fault when electronic
equipment is operated (input circuits 8 to 13 in Table 1).
In these cases, Type AC, A or F residual current protective devices
may not be used to provide protection, as their tripping function
can be impaired by the potential smooth DC residual currents to
the extent that they are no longer able to trip even when those
residual currents for which they are designed occur.

For this reason, it is essential to ensure that if Type A or F residual

current protective devices are coordinated with Type B (or B+)
in installations with several load circuits, a Type B or B+ residual
current protective device is always connected upstream of each
Type A or Type F residual current protective device. Figure 24
shows an example configuration.

230/400 V AC, 230/400 V AC,

3-phase 3-phase

Wh Wh

Type Type
AC/A AC/A
S n ≥ 300 mA S
n ≥ 300 mA

Type Type Type Type

.+] .+]
AC/A B/B+ AC/A B/B+
n ≤ 100 mA n ≥ 30 mA n ≤ 100 mA n ≥ 30 mA
I2_13611a
I2_13610a

correct incorrect

Figure 24: Configuration example with Type A and B residual current

protective devices

48
3.3.4 Causes of excessive leakage currents and possibilities
of reducing them

Causes of leakage currents Consequences

EMC (input) filter capacitances between Highly dynamic and static
phase conductor and PE conductor leakage currents

Conductor capacities Mainly static leakage

currents

Making/breaking asymmetries Highly dynamic leakage

currents possible

Summation of leakage currents due to Highly dynamic and static

connection of several loads (especially leakage currents
frequency converters) to an RCCB

Clock frequency of frequency converters Static leakage currents

via cable capacitance

Grounding conditions Static leakage currents

Harmonic component of the output Static leakage currents

voltage of the frequency converter via cable capacitance

49
 Corrective measures
n Use low leakage current filters.
n Clarify with converter manufacturer whether filters with lower degree of
interference suppression (class B or C3/C4 instead of class A or C1) are possible
or EMC input filters can be dispensed with if, for instance, output-side sinewave
filters or dv/dt filters or motor chokes can be used.
n Minimize cable lengths
(the overall capacity and thus the leakage current flowing to PE increase with the
length of the cable corresponding to the capacitance per meter – leakage current
of shielded cables from approximately 0.2 mA/m to 1 mA/m).
n Select cables with low conductor-ground capacitance. Symmetrical cables achieve
favorable values. Single conductor configuration yields higher leakage currents.
n The use of shielded cables can be dispensed with if the EMC requirements are also
met with unshielded cables, for instance (i.e. with sinewave filters at the output).
n Connect existing cable shield according to the manufacturer's information
regarding the frequency converter.
n Avoid the use of manually operated switchgear for normal switching in order to
reduce the duration of making and breaking asymmetries to a minimum.
n Use all-pole contactors or switchgear with a snap-action mechanism.
n Own power supply connection for the actuator
(asymmetry in the network causes additional leakage currents)
n Inrush current limitation can reduce the dynamic leakage currents upon making.
n Distribute the circuits over a number of RCCBs
(keep the number of actuators after an RCCB as low as possible).
n Avoid switching on several frequency converters downstream of one RCCB
simultaneously (or at least use inrush current limitation).
n Use a common EMC filter for several loads
(leakage current is usually lower than the sum of individual filters).
Select as low a clock frequency as possible, in particular for Type B+ residual current
protection devices (if usable for the application). Depending on the circumstances,
an overall more favorable behavior can be achieved with higher clock frequencies
with Type B residual current protection devices which exhibit a tripping value which
increases with the frequency, in spite of higher capacitive leakage currents. In any
case, care must be taken to avoid resonance frequency ranges when setting
EMC filters.
If possible, return all leakage currents to the frequency converter via the PE
connection in order to maximize the effect of the filtering measures and prevent the
occurrence of undefined leakage currents.
Sinewave filters in the outgoing feeder of the frequency converter reliably filter
out the switching frequency and its harmonics to produce almost sinusoidal output
voltages and currents. EMC requirements can then usually also be satisfied with
unshielded cables. This leads to a significant reduction in capacitive leakage currents
downstream of the frequency converter (e.g. due to the cable capacitance per unit
length). In some cases, it is even possible to dispense with the line filter on the input
side and thus reduce the stationary and dynamic leakage currents still further. Output
reactors, dv/dt filters, or Nanoperm filters can be used as an alternative to sinewave
filters, although they are less effective.

50
3.4 Back-up protection
Short circuit and residual currents can be up to several hundred
amperes, depending on the network and system configuration.
Thus, for instance, in the event of an insulation fault to the
grounded exposed conductive parts of electrical equipment with a
correspondingly low resistance, a short circuit-like current flows via
the residual current protective device. The contacts that open in this
event must be able to withstand this stress.

This requires a correspondingly high rated switching capacity.

The rated switching capacity Im of residual current operated circuit

breakers shall, according to the applicable device standards
(EN 61008-1/VDE 0664-10) be at least 500 A or 10*In, whichever
is the higher. The rated switching capacity of our residual current
operated circuit breakers is predominately 800 A and hence clearly
exceeds the minimum requirements of 500 A or 630 A (see Table
5) for devices of up to 63 A rated current.

Rated current of Rated switching capacity

Maximum permissible
the residual current Im in accordance with IEC/
short-circuit back-up fuse
protective device EN 61008 (VDE 0664) at a
NH, DIAZED, NEOZED
grid distance of 35 mm
Type AC
Type A gG operational class for
RCCB
Type F
Type B
125 V AC
kHz Type B+ ... 400 V 500 V AC

A TE A A A

16-40 2.0 500 63 -

63, 80 2.5 800 100 -
100, 125 2.0 1250 125 -
25, 40 (400 Hz) 4.0 800 80 -
25-63 4.0 800 100 63
80 4.0 800 100 -
100 4.0 1000 100 -
125 4.0 1250 125 -
Table 5: Rated switching capacity and maximum permissible short-circuit
 back-up fuses

51
 In accordance with the installation regulations (VDE 0100-410;
DIN VDE 0100-530), residual current protective devices can be
installed in all system types (TT, NT and IT). Residual currents
that are in excess of the rated switching capacity of the residual
current operated circuit breaker can occur alongside short-circuit
currents in a TN system in particular. An overcurrent device shall be
connected as a back-up protective device to restrict the energy and
strength of the short-circuit current to compatible levels.
The conditional rated short-circuit current is stated on the residual
current operated circuit breaker in the form of a symbol in
conjunction with a maximum permissible rated current for the fuse
(gG operational class melting fuses).
This will be explained based on the following example:

100
10,000

The conditional rated short-circuit current of the residual current
operated circuit breaker where a fuse rated at a maximum of 100 A
is used is 10 kA.
In cases in which no rated fuse current is stated, a minimum value
of 63 A applies automatically in Germany. A minimum value of
6 kA is required for the conditional rated short-circuit current.
In the case of Siemens residual current protective devices, rated
switching capacity and rated residual switching capacity are not
differentiated and nor are rated conditional short-circuit current
and rated conditional residual short-circuit current. The reason for
this is that the values for the residual and short-circuit currents can
be identical in the relevant cases.
The use of miniature circuit breakers or circuit breakers instead
of the specified fuses will result in markedly lower rated values in
some cases due to the higher throughput values until the circuit
is disconnected. A direct specification for the permissible rated
current of these circuit breakers cannot be given here due to the
great differences in design and tripping characteristics. But the
maximum permissible rated current of the allocated overcurrent
protective device can be determined in consideration of the

52
maximum permissible limit values of the residual current operated
circuit breaker. The rated current of the allocated overcurrent
protective device can be determined based on the maximum
permissible short-circuit back-up fusing according to Table 5
specified on the residual current operated circuit breakers. In the
process, the following maximum values must be complied with for
series 5SM3 residual current operated circuit breakers:

maximum permissible maximum current peak

maximum I²t value
short-circuit back-up fuse value
63 A 25,000 A²s 6.0 kA
80 A 40,000 A²s 7.0 kA
100 A 70,000 A²s 7.5 kA
125 A 94,000 A²s 8.0 kA

The rated switching capacity of RCBOs is considerably higher than

that for residual current operated circuit breakers as the MCB
component, which is specially provided for short-circuit protection,
performs short-circuit clearing. Should this switching capacity not
be adequate, a back-up protection shall also be provided here in
accordance with the manufacturer's information.

53
 3.5 Protection against thermal overload
Protection against thermal overloading of an RCCB shall primarily
be provided by careful planning of the load circuits downstream of
the RCCB taking the manufacturer's information into consideration.
A note in DIN VDE 0100-530 states that it is permissible to use
the expected operational current as a rating selection criterion to
prevent overloading of residual current operated circuit breakers
as long as the instructions of the manufacturer regarding the rated
current and type of overcurrent protective device are used to form
the basis for the estimation.
The following points must be noted in order to avoid overloading
the residual current operated circuit breaker:
– The rated current of the RCCB is the maximum permissible
uninterrupted load current and must not be permanently
exceeded.
– The back-up fuse value indicated on the rating plate (63 A to
125 A) only provides back-up protection for the RCCB
(see Section 3.4).
The considerations regarding thermal loading no longer apply
if RCBOs are used as the MCB part provides overload protection
through its thermal release.

54
3.6 Troubleshooting
If a residual current protective device trips, the first troubleshooting
step should be to follow the procedure outlined in the diagram
below (Figure 25).

Reclose RCCB if installation unchanged

RCCB has tripped;

insulation fault in the installation

Temporary fault.
Test the insulation of the Yes Can the RCCB be
installation and loads. closed?
Including N-PE.

Open all fuses and miniature circuit break-

Switch each circuit on ers downstream of the RCCB.
again in sequence until the
RCCB trips.
The circuit on which the
RCCB trips has an insulation Yes Can the RCCB be
No Disconnect the
fault. To further pinpoint closed? outgoing terminal
the fault: switch off all of the RCCB.
loads in this circuit and/
or disconnect the power
plugs.
No Yes
Can the RCCB be
closed?
Yes
Can the RCCB be
closed?

No

The fault is located in the

fixed-mounting cable of Switch each load on again Insulation fault
this circuit. Pinpoint the in sequence or plug in the between the RCCB
fault by measuring the plugs until the RCCB trips. RCCB is faulty. and the fuses or
insulation and disconnect- The device on which the miniature circuit
ing the cable in the tapping RCCB trips is faulty. breakers or in the N.
boxes.

Figure 25: Troubleshooting flowchart

55

55
 3.7 Leakage current measurement
If leakage currents occur frequently in normal operation or if
electrical loads with high leakage currents are used because the
system has not been optimally configured, for instance if there
are too many electrical loads, the tripping current of the upstream
residual current protective device may be exceeded, depending
on the operational status of the electrical installation. Spurious
tripping results.
To prevent residual current protective devices from inadvertently
tripping in practice, the leakage current that flows in the system
during normal operation should always be less than 0.3 times the
rated residual current.

A leakage current measurement device (see Figure 26) can be

connected into the system in series with the residual current
protective device to facilitate recording, and if necessary
monitoring, of the status of the installation. This device measures
the leakage current flowing during normal system operation.

500 V AC; 50 Hz to 60 Hz 4-pole

Figure 26: 5SM1 930-0 leakage current measurement device

The leakage current measurement device functions according to

the same principle as the residual current protective device. Instead
of the device tripping, however, the leakage current is converted
via the test sockets on the front to a voltage that can be read off
on a high-impedance voltmeter. The calibration curve supplied
with the unit provides a rough indication of the leakage current.

56
3.8 4-pole residual current operated circuit breakers in a
3-pole network
The 4-pole (3+N) version of the residual current operated circuit
breakers can also be operated in 3-pole systems. In this case, the
3-pole connection must be at terminals 1, 3, 5 and 2, 4, 6.
The device function is not impaired as a result. Functioning of the
test circuit is only ensured if a jumper is fitted between terminals 3
and N (this is also described in the operating instructions).

L1 L2 L3 N L1 L2 L3

1 3 5 N 1 3 5 N

I2_07557
2 4 6 N 2 4 6 N

3 x 230 V AC + N 3 x 230 V AC
3 x 400 V AC + N 3 x 400 V AC

Figure 27: 4-pole RCCB in a 3-pole network

4 Residual current monitoring devices (RCM)

In addition to personal protection by means of residual current
protection devices (RCD), permanent residual current monitoring is
becoming increasingly important in terms of increasing system and
operational safety and power supply monitoring.
Residual current monitoring devices, also known as residual current
monitors (RCM), monitor residual currents in electrical systems
and report when they exceed a determined value. RCMs are not
approved for implementing the “automatic power supply shutoff”
protective measure according to the product standard for residual
current monitoring devices EN 62020 (VDE 0663) and/or IEC 62020.
However, an RCM can be used in conjunction with protective
devices.
Continuous residual current monitoring can already detect and
signal faults before the protective device responds. Sudden system
disconnection can frequently be avoided this way. For that reason,
residual current monitoring devices are primarily used in systems in
which a signal, but not a disconnection, should be carried out in the
event of a fault. In addition, the residual current monitoring counts
as a preventative maintenance measure in electrical systems.
57
 The residual current monitoring devices function the same way
as residual current protective devices do. The summation current
transformer covers all conductors needed to carry current, i.e.
the neutral conductor as well, if necessary. In a fault-free system,
the magnetizing effects of the current-carrying conductors are
cancelled out for the transformer, and the sum of all currents
is equivalent to zero (Kirchhoff's 1st law of circuits). A residual
magnetic field will only remain in the transformer core if a
residual current is flowing as a result of an insulation fault and
is generating voltage. The voltage will be evaluated by the RCM
electronics and the switched contact can be used to control such
elements as an acoustic/optical signaling device, a higher-level
control system or a circuit breaker. RCMs are not equipped with a
direct shut-off function.
RCMs are widely available with both integral current transformers
and external summation current transformers. External summation
current transformers are available with different inside diameters.
This even makes it possible to monitor installations with rated
currents of several hundred amperes. Furthermore, residual current
monitoring devices are also associated with adjustable values for
response residual current, response time and, if applicable, the
display of the current residual current value.
The ability to adjust the response residual current and time
behavior constitutes a significant advantage of the RCMs. This
enables system-specific adjustment and makes it possible to take
leakage currents which are permanently present into account.
These leakage currents are caused by capacities in the cables and
lines or in electrical equipment, for instance.

58
RCMs as additional fire protection
In accordance with DIN VDE 0100-530, RCMs coupled with
switchgear with an isolating function can be used as an alternative
to fire protection if residual current protective devices (RCDs)
cannot be used for fire protection, because the operating current of
the circuit to be protected is greater than the greatest rated current
of the residual current protective devices (RCDs). A prerequisite for
this is that the response residual current does not exceed 300 mA
and that the monitored network is disconnected in the event of a
failure in the residual current monitoring device’s (RCM) control
supply voltage.

5 Outlook
There is a growing demand for residual current protective devices
in electrical installations owing to the high level of protection they
afford.
At the same time, the widespread use of residual current protective
devices to protect a large variety of different loads means that
even more complex functional requirements need to be met. The
use of Type B universal current-sensitive residual current protective
devices as well as super-resistant devices or variants for harsh
ambient conditions exemplify how requirements have increased.
This trend is predicted to continue in future.
Combinations of RCBOs are also increasing in popularity – either
as a compact unit or as an RC unit in conjunction with miniature
circuit breakers that can be installed where required.

These RCBO combination units are installed in all circuits of modern

electrical installations, combining maximum operating safety with
electric shock and line protection.

59
 Appendix

A.1 K
 ey terms and definitions
(according to DIN VDE 0100-200)
■ Phase conductors (symbol L1, L2, L3),
Conductors that connect current sources to current-using
equipment but that do not originate at the center point or
neutral point.
■ Neutral conductor (symbol N)
Conductor that is connected to the center point or neutral
point and that is suitable for transmitting electricity.
■ Protective conductor (symbol PE)
Conductor required for certain protective measures against
hazardous electric shock currents in order to establish an
electrical connection with one of the following parts:
● Exposed conductive part of the electrical equipment

● External conductive parts

● Main ground terminal

● Ground electrode

● Ground point of the current source or artificial

neutral point
■ PEN conductor
Grounded conductor that simultaneously functions as the
protective conductor and the neutral conductor.
■ Rated voltage (in an installation)
Voltage that characterizes an installation or part of an
installation.
■ Touch voltage
Voltage that may be present between simultaneously
touchable parts in the event of an insulation fault.
■ Live part
Conductor or conductive part that is intended to be live
during normal operation, including the neutral conductor
but (according to agreement) not the PEN conductor.

60
 ■ Exposed conductive part (of electrical equipment)
Touchable, conductive part of the electrical equipment
that is not normally live but that may be live in the event
of a fault.
■ Electric shock
Pathophysiological effect caused by an electric current
flowing through the body of a person or animal.
■ Additional protection
Supplementary measure to reduce the risks that may arise
to persons and livestock if the basic and/or fault protection
is rendered ineffective.
■ Basic protection
Protection against electric shock in a non-faulty system.
Basic protection usually corresponds to the protection
against direct contact described in DIN VDE 0100-410.
■ Fault protection
Protection against electric shock if a single fault occurs
(e.g. faulty basic insulation).Fault protection usually
corresponds to the protection against indirect contact
described in DIN VDE 0100-410.
■ Dangerous body current
Current flowing through the body of a person or
animal with characteristics that are likely to trigger a
pathophysiological (harmful) effect.
■ Leakage current (in an installation)
Current flowing in a non-faulty circuit to ground or to an
external conductive part.

61
 ■ Residual current
Sum of the instantaneous values of all currents flowing
through all active conductors in a circuit at a defined point
in the electrical system.
In connection with residual current protective devices, the differential
current is referred to as “residual current” in accordance with the standards
in the DIN VDE 0664 (VDE 0664) series.

■ Operational current
Current that should flow in the circuit during normal
operation.
■ Ground
Conductive mass of ground whose electric potential is set
to zero at all points according to agreement.
■ Ground electrode
Conductive part or parts that make good contact with
ground and form an electrical connection with it.
■ Total grounding resistance
Resistance between the main ground terminal/busbar and
ground.

A.2 Power
 systems and protective devices
The various power systems are defined in
DIN VDE 0100-300. The permissible protective devices for
these systems are listed in DIN VDE 0100-410.
The power systems are identified by means of codes where
the individual characters have the following meanings:
1st character = Relationship of power system to ground
T Direct grounding of a point
I Either insulation of all live parts from ground or
connection of one point with ground via impedance

62
2nd character = Relationship of the exposed conductive part
of the installation to ground
T Exposed conductive part directly connected to ground,
independently of the grounding of any point of the power
system
N Exposed conductive part directly connected with the
ground electrode (the grounded point in AC networks is
generally the neutral point)
Subsequent characters = Arrangement of the neutral and
protective conductors in a TN system
S Separate conductors for neutral and protective earth
functions
C Neutral and protective conductor functions combined in a
single conductor (PEN conductor)

A.2.1 TN system

All exposed conductive parts in the system must be
connected by protective conductors to the grounded point
of the supply network, which must be grounded on or in
the vicinity of the associated transformer or generator. The
various versions of TN system are shown in Figures A1, A2,
and A3.










Figure A1: TN-S system

63
 Figure A2: TN-C-S system




Figure A3: TN-C system

Permissible protective measures in TN systems:
– Overcurrent protective devices
– Residual current protective devices
(but not in the TN-C system)

64
A.2.2 T T system
All exposed conductive parts protected by the same
protective device must be connected to a common ground
electrode by means of protective conductors (see Figure A4).


Figure A4: TT system

Permissible protective measures:
– Residual current protective devices
– Overcurrent protective devices
Where residual current protective devices are used different
maximum permissible grounding resistances are specified
for Type AC and Type A as a function of the rated residual
current to meet the disconnection conditions (see Table A1).

Rated residual Maximum permissible grounding resistance

current I∆n at a maximum permissible touch voltage of

50 V 25 V
10 mA 5000 Ω 2500 Ω
30 mA 1660 Ω 830 Ω
100 mA 500 Ω 250 Ω
300 mA 170 Ω 85 Ω
500 mA 100 Ω 50 Ω
1 A 50 Ω 25 Ω
Table A1: Maximum permissible grounding resistances as a function of I∆n

The specifications of section 2.4.3 shall be observed for SIQUENCE

Type B and Type B+ universal current-sensitive RCCBs if the
equipment used has different frequency components in the
possible residual current.

65
 A.2.3 IT system
Live parts in IT systems (see Figure A5) must either be
insulated to ground or designed with a sufficiently high
impedance. The exposed conductive parts must be grounded
individually, or in groups, or with a common ground.

Figure A5: IT system

Permissible protective measures:

– Insulation monitoring devices
– Overcurrent protective devices
– Residual current protective devices
Tripping is not required for the first fault. However, measures
must be taken to preclude all risk of pathophysiological
effects on persons when the second fault occurs.
It is essential that an insulation monitoring device is fitted to
enable the first fault to be indicated by an acoustic or visual
signal and eliminated as quickly as possible.

Certain conditions must be satisfied after the first fault,
depending on how the loads are grounded (individually,
in groups, or with a common ground). If these conditions
cannot be met with overcurrent protective devices, either
separate residual current protective devices must be provided
for each item of current-using equipment or additional
equipotential bonding must be provided.
No mutual interference results if insulation monitoring
devices and residual current protective devices are used in
the same system.

66
A.2.4 Summary
Residual current protective devices can be used in all
network AC or three-phase systems (TN, TT, or IT system,
see Figure A6). The protection afforded by residual current
protective devices is superior to that offered by other
approved protective devices, because in addition to fault
protection (protection in case of indirect contact) when
residual current protective devices with I∆n ≤ 30 mA are
used, they also provide additional protection (protection in
the event of direct contact), and with their I∆n ≤ 300 mA play
an important role in preventive protection against electrically
ignited fires caused by ground fault currents.

Figure A6: Residual current protective devices in all network systems

67
 A.3 Key terms and definitions for specifying the switching
capacity
– Rated switching capacityIm of the RCCB (EN 61008-1):
Prospective rms value of the short-circuit current which a
residual current operated circuit breaker can make, carry and
break under defined conditions.
– Rated switching capacity Icn of an RCBO (EN 61009-1):
The rated switching capacity of an RCBO is the limit short-circuit
breaking capacity specified by the manufacturer.
– Rated residual switching capacityI∆m (EN 61008-1, EN 61009-1):
Prospective rms value of the residual current which the residual
current protective device can make, carry and break under
defined conditions.
– Rated conditional short-circuit current Inc (EN 61008-1):
Prospective current which the residual current operated circuit
breaker protected by a short-circuit back-up fuse can withstand
without suffering functional impairment.
– Rated conditional residual short-circuit current I∆c (EN 61008-1):
Prospective residual current which the residual current operated
circuit breaker protected by a short-circuit back-up fuse can
withstand without subsequent functional impairment.

68
 A.4 Installation standards for electrical installations with
residual current protective devices

Standard (DIN Application Required I∆n

Recommended Siemens RCCB (taking into
VDE ... or [mA] consideration possible nature of the residual
BGI ...) currents in the equipment)

SIQUENCE 
Type A Type F Type B / SIGRES
Type B+
0100-410 Protection against electric shock 30 ... 500 + + + +

Socket outlets up to 20 A, 10 ... 30 + +

outdoor installations
0100-482 Fire protection for particular 30 and 300 + + +
risks or safety hazards
0100-701 Rooms with baths or showers, 10 ... 30 + +
socket outlets in zone 3
0100-702 Pools in swimming baths and 10 ... 30 + +
other pools
0100-703 Rooms and cabins with sauna 10 … 30 + +
heating systems
0100-704 Construction sites, socket
and outlet circuits up to 32 A and ≤ 30 mA + + + +
for hand-held tools, plugs and
BGI 608 sockets In > 32 A ≤ 500 mA + + + +
0100-705 Agricultural and horticultural,
general, socket outlet circuits
≤ 300 + + +
10 ... 30 + + +
0100-706 Conductive areas with limited 10 ... 30 +
freedom of movement, fixed
equipment
0100-708 Electrical installations on 10 ... 30 + +
camping sites, each socket
outlet individually and each
branch circuit for a fixed
connection to the supply
0100-710 Medical premises with a
TN-S system, depending on
application group 1 or 2 and 10 ... 30 or + +
equipment ≤ 300 + +
0100-712 Solar PV power supply systems
(without simple isolation)
≤ 300 +
0100-723 Classrooms with experiment 10 ... 30 +
equipment
0100-739 Additional protection against 10 ... 30 +
direct contact in homes
EN 50178 (VDE Fitting of power installations General + + +
0160) with electronic equipment requirements
for correct
selection when
using res. cur-
rent protection

0832-100 Traffic signals

Class T1 ≤ 300 + +
Class U1 ≤ 30 + +
Foodstuffs and chemical recommended + +
industry ≤ 30 mA
Note:
For reasons of basic fire protection, we recommend a maximum rated residual current of
300 mA for residual current protection devices.
69
 List of figures and tables
Page 7, Figure 1: Additional protection: Residual current protective device
with I∆n ≤ 30 mA in the TN system
Page 8, Figure 2
: Effects of 50/60 Hz alternating current on the human body
Page 11, Figure 3: Fault protection in the TN system
Page 12, Figure 4: Classification of residual current protective devices into
different types with tripping ranges
Page 13, Table 1
: Possible residual current waveforms and suitable residual
current protective devices
Page 15, Figure 5: Classification of residual current protective devices (RCDs)
Page 18, Figure 6: Schematic representation of a residual current operated
circuit breaker
Page 19, Figure 7: Principle of operation of a holding magnet release
Page 20, Figure 8: Structure of a SIQUENCE Type B and Type B+ universal
current-sensitive RCCB
Page 22, Figure 9: Installation with a central RCCB and miniature circuit
breakers for feeders
Page 23, Figure 10: Example of an installation with RCBOs
Page 25, Figure 11: Type B frequency-dependent tripping current
Page 27, Figure 12: Type B+ frequency-dependent tripping current
Page 27, Table 2: Recommended maximum grounding resistances for
SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive Type B RCCBs
Page 30, Figure 13: Break time tA as a function of the tripping current I∆
Page 31, Figure 14: Layout of different residual current protective devices and
their tripping times
Page 33, Figure 15: Remote-controlled operating mechanism with RCCB
Page 34, Table 3
: Characteristic variables for the conditions of
disconnection in TN and TT systems with rated voltages
of 230/400 V AC
Page 35, Table 4
: Selection of protective devices in TN systems and in TT
systems with rated voltages of 230/400 V AC
Page 38, Figure 16: Selection aid for finding the suitable residual current
protective device.
Page 43, Figure 17: Surge current characteristic 8/20 µs
Page 44, Figure 18: Circuit with a SIQUENCE universal current-sensitive RCCB
and a frequency converter
Page 44, Figure 19: Residual current waveform at fault location 1

70
Page 45, Figure 20: Residual current waveform at fault location 2
Page 46, Figure 21: Pre-magnetization due to DC residual current
Page 46, Figure 2
2: Residual current waveform at fault location 3
Page 47, Figure 23: Frequency components in the residual current based on
the example of a frequency converter
Page 48, Figure 24: Configuration example with Type A and B residual
current protective devices
Page 51, Table 5: Rated switching capacity and maximum permissible
short-circuit back-up fuses
Page 55, Figure 2
5: Troubleshooting flowchart
Page 56, Figure 26: 5SM1 930-0 leakage current measurement device
Page 57, Figure 27: 4-pole RCCB in a 3-pole network
Page 63, Figure A1: TN-S system
Page 64, Figure A2: TN-C-S system
Page 64, Figure A3: TN-C system
Page 65, Figure A4: TT system
Page 65, Table A1:  Maximum permissible grounding resistances as a
function of I∆n
Page 66, Figure A5: IT system
Page 67, Figure A6: Residual current protective devices in all network
systems

71
Siemens AG
Infrastructure & Cities Sector
Low and Medium Voltage Division
Low Voltage & Products
P.O. Box 10 09 53
93009 Regensburg
Germany

Order No. E10003-E38-2B-G0090-7600

Dispo 25601 • 1212 • 3.0
Printed in Germany

Subject to change. All rights reserved.

The information provided in this brochure All product names may be brand names of
contains descriptions or characteristics of Siemens Ltd or another supplier whose
performance which in case of actual use use by third-parties for their own
do not always apply as described or purposes may violate the owner‘s rights.
which may change as a result of further © Siemens AG 2012
development of the products. An obliga-
tion to provide the respective characteris-
tics shall only exist if expressly agreed in
the terms of contract.

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