Overview
IEC 62873-2:2016 is the vocabulary part of the IEC series for residual current operated circuit‑breakers (RCDs) intended for household and similar use. Its scope is to provide the standardized terms and definitions used across RCD product standards so that manufacturers, test houses, regulators and specifiers use a single, unambiguous language when describing RCD performance, construction and testing. Where the words "voltage" or "current" are used they imply r.m.s. values unless otherwise specified. Edition: 1.0 (2016‑09).
Key topics and technical content
This standard is a glossary-style document that organizes terms by technical area relevant to RCDs and related devices (RCCB, RCBO). Major topic headings include:
- Currents flowing to earth - e.g., earth fault current, earth leakage current
- Energization and evaluation - energizing quantities and inputs used to test or operate RCDs
- Operation and functions - detection, interruption, evaluation, limiting non‑actuating time, break time
- Values and ranges - breaking capacity, conditional short‑circuit currents, making capacity, limiting values
- Arcing and timing - arcing time (pole and multipole), opening/closing and break times, joule integral
- Coordination and protection - coordination between overcurrent protective devices in series
- Influencing quantities and environmental conditions - ambient air temperature, extreme ranges, micro/macro environment
- Terminals and constructional elements - main/auxiliary/control contacts, lug terminals, exposed conductive parts
- Insulation coordination and clearances - impulse withstand voltage, creepage and clearance distances
Annex A provides a glossary of symbols. The document cross-references IEV/Electropedia and is part of the IEC 62873 series.
Practical applications
IEC 62873-2 provides the authoritative vocabulary that:
- Ensures consistent specification and interpretation of RCD product standards and test requirements
- Improves clarity in product datasheets, test reports and conformity assessment documentation
- Helps manufacturers, test laboratories and certification bodies align design, testing and reporting
- Supports standards writers, regulatory bodies and procurement teams in drafting unambiguous requirements
- Facilitates international trade by harmonizing terminology across national and regional regulations
Who should use this standard
- RCD and RCBO manufacturers and design engineers
- Test laboratories and conformity assessment/certification bodies
- Standards committees and technical writers drafting RCD product standards
- Electrical safety regulators, utilities and procurement/specification teams
- Technical translators and documentation teams needing standardized terminology
Related standards and resources
- IEC 62873‑1 (series outline and general requirements)
- IEC Electropedia and IEC Glossary for related electrotechnical definitions
Keywords: IEC 62873-2, RCD vocabulary, residual current device definitions, residual current operated circuit-breakers, RCD standard, electrical safety terminology.