What is BS EN 60898-2?

BS EN 60898-2 is a technical standard that specifies the requirements for circuit-breakers for overcurrent protection in residential and commercial buildings. It is an important regulation that ensures the safety of electrical installations by preventing damage caused by excessive current.

The Purpose and Importance of BS EN 60898-2

Electrical circuit-breakers play a crucial role in protecting electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits. BS EN 60898-2 sets out the specific requirements for circuit-breakers to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical installations.

This standard outlines criteria such as rated voltage, rated current, breaking capacity, trip characteristics, and operational performance. By complying with these requirements, circuit-breakers can effectively protect electrical systems from potential hazards.

The purpose of BS EN 60898-2 is to establish a common set of guidelines for manufacturers, installers, and inspectors in designing, installing, and maintaining circuit-breakers. It ensures that these devices meet minimum safety standards and perform reliably under various operating conditions.

The Key Features and Considerations

BS EN 60898-2 defines various key features and considerations to ensure the effectiveness of circuit-breakers:

1. Rated voltage: The circuit-breaker must be suitable for the nominal voltage of the circuit it protects.

2. Rated current: It specifies the maximum current the circuit-breaker can carry continuously without tripping.

3. Breaking capacity: This indicates the maximum fault current the circuit-breaker can safely interrupt.

4. Trip characteristics: It defines the time-current curve, which determines how fast the circuit-breaker trips under different overload conditions.

5. Operational performance: This standard sets requirements for endurance, mechanical operations, and environmental conditions to ensure the reliability of circuit-breakers over their lifespan.

Conclusion

BS EN 60898-2 plays a crucial role in ensuring electrical safety in residential and commercial buildings. By specifying the requirements for circuit-breakers, it provides guidelines for manufacturers, installers, and inspectors to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of these devices. Adhering to this standard helps prevent electrical accidents, protects electrical infrastructure, and ensures the safe operation of electrical systems.