apologies if you are already aware of this but with respect to the x5 or greater test current introduced in the 18th, Hager have advised that their RCBO units are manufactured to the 2017 amended version of BSEN61008/9 which permitted disconnection within 40ms at 250mA. Thus they advise testing at x 5 on both sides with the instrument set for 50mA on the variable range.
The Megger 1471 tester has a setting "VAR" where you can add compensation to the test to apply the desired setting.
Also not sure if I have read mike's comment correctly regarding simplification of regs but neither test have been removed. You have to use the correct time setting depending on what you are using the RCD for i.e. fault or additional protection and received rs this result.
I have just tested an RCD. It went 20 - 25% faster at 250 mA than at 150 mA. That is not a problem because the safe duration of a shock increases as the current drops. In any event, if a 30 mA RCD passes the test at 5 x IΔn, it follows that it will also pass at 250 mA, so just test as normal. If the trip time exceeds 40 ms at 5 x IΔn, then you would need to test again at 250 mA.
Incidentally, it would be a mistake to think that a 30 mA RCD limits any shock to 30 mA.
For large areas of (dry) contact, the hand-to-hand impedance may be as low as 1200 Ω, which gives a shock current of 200 mA. For small areas of contact, the impedance may be four to five times higher and the shock current of the order of 50 mA.
It may very well be that if an RCD trips sufficiently quickly at 5 x IΔn or 250 mA, it must also trip sufficiently quickly at IΔn, but for my peace of mind, I would still wish to test at both values.
The Megger 1471 tester has a setting "VAR" where you can add compensation to the test to apply the desired setting.
Also not sure if I have read mike's comment correctly regarding simplification of regs but neither test have been removed. You have to use the correct time setting depending on what you are using the RCD for i.e. fault or additional protection and received rs this result.
I have just tested an RCD. It went 20 - 25% faster at 250 mA than at 150 mA. That is not a problem because the safe duration of a shock increases as the current drops. In any event, if a 30 mA RCD passes the test at 5 x IΔn, it follows that it will also pass at 250 mA, so just test as normal. If the trip time exceeds 40 ms at 5 x IΔn, then you would need to test again at 250 mA.
Incidentally, it would be a mistake to think that a 30 mA RCD limits any shock to 30 mA.
For large areas of (dry) contact, the hand-to-hand impedance may be as low as 1200 Ω, which gives a shock current of 200 mA. For small areas of contact, the impedance may be four to five times higher and the shock current of the order of 50 mA.
It may very well be that if an RCD trips sufficiently quickly at 5 x IΔn or 250 mA, it must also trip sufficiently quickly at IΔn, but for my peace of mind, I would still wish to test at both values.
