IEC 62955-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Residual direct current detecting device (RDC‑DD) to be used for mode 3 charging of electric vehicles — an IEC international standard that specifies requirements for residual direct current monitoring and protective devices (RDC‑MD and RDC‑PD) intended for permanently connected AC electric vehicle charging stations (mode 3).

Abstract

IEC 62955:2018 defines classification, rated values, construction, required performance and test procedures for devices that detect residual direct (DC) currents in AC EV charging installations (mode 3) to prevent electric shock and fire hazards. The standard covers devices for rated voltages up to 440 V AC, rated frequencies 50/60 Hz and rated currents up to 125 A, and describes both monitoring devices (RDC‑MD) and protective devices (RDC‑PD).

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: 12 March 2018 (Edition 1.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.120.50 (Fuses and other overcurrent protection devices).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2018).
• Number of pages: 315 (IEC webstore bibliographic entry).

Scope

Applies to residual direct current detecting devices (RDC‑DD) intended for permanently connected AC EV charging stations (mode 3 per IEC 61851‑1 and installation guidance such as IEC 60364‑7‑722). It sets requirements for device classification (monitoring vs protective), rated voltages/frequencies/currents, limiting values, mechanical and dielectric construction, marking and documentation, environmental and service conditions, and a comprehensive test regime (endurance, electrical and mechanical tests, verification of detection and breaking behaviour).

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and classification of RDC‑DD: RDC‑MD (monitoring device) and RDC‑PD (protective device) with their functional distinctions.
• Rated values and preferred/standard values for voltage, current, DC residual operating/non‑operating currents, and making/breaking capacities.
• Detection thresholds and timing limits (example: specified residual operating/non‑operating currents and maximum break times for safe operation).
• Constructional requirements — clearances/creepage, insulation, mechanical strength, terminals, and marking/packaging information.
• Environmental and service conditions (temperature, humidity, pollution degree) and installation considerations.
• Test sequences and sample submission rules (normative annexes describe test sequences and numbers of samples).
• Coordination with upstream protective devices and requirements for conditional short‑circuit and residual short‑circuit currents.

Typical use and users

Used by EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) manufacturers and module suppliers to design and certify residual‑DC detection/ protection in mode 3 charging stations; by test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies for type and routine testing; and by product safety engineers, installers and system integrators who need to ensure EV charging installations meet international safety requirements (often in conjunction with IEC 61851‑1 and installation standards).

Related standards

Commonly referenced together with: IEC 61851‑1 (Electric vehicle conductive charging system — Part 1: general requirements), IEC 60364‑7‑722 (installation rules for EV charging locations / harmonized national variants), IEC 62196 series (connectors), IEC 62752 (IC‑CPD in‑cable protection), and related residual current / RCD standards such as IEC 62423 and IEC 61543 for EMC/performance considerations. These standards together form the normative and technical context for safe EV charging equipment and installations.

Keywords

RDC‑DD, RDC‑MD, RDC‑PD, residual direct current, DC residual detection, EVSE, mode 3 charging, electric vehicle charging safety, IEC 62955, EV charging protection.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 62955:2018 is an international product standard that specifies requirements, classification and tests for residual direct current detecting devices used in permanently connected AC EV charging (mode 3).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers functional classification (monitoring vs protective), rated values, construction and dielectric requirements, required detection thresholds and maximum break times, test sequences and performance verification for RDC‑DD devices for voltages up to 440 V AC and currents up to 125 A (50/60 Hz).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: EVSE manufacturers, module/sub‑component vendors (RDC modules), certification and testing laboratories, safety engineers, and installation professionals who design, verify and certify mode 3 charging equipment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 62955:2018 is the published first edition (2018). Work on a second edition (IEC 62955 ED2) has been documented in IEC national project records and committee project pages (DIS/close‑of‑voting activity reported in 2025), but as of the latest public IEC bibliographic entry the 2018 edition remains the published IEC document; stakeholders should check IEC national bodies or the IEC webstore for any formal publication of a newer edition or amendments before relying on a different edition for compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone product standard for DC residual detection within the broader family of EV charging standards (IEC 61851 series for conductive charging, IEC 62196 for connectors, IEC 62752 for in‑cable protection, installation rules such as IEC 60364‑7‑722, and EMC/safety documents). These related publications together address the full safety and interoperability requirements for EV charging systems.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: RDC‑DD, RDC‑MD, RDC‑PD, residual DC current, EVSE safety, mode 3 charging, detection threshold, break time, IEC 62955.