EN 62606:2013/A11:2026

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2026
• ICS: 29.120.01 - Electrical accessories in general
• ICS: 29.120.50 - Fuses and other overcurrent protection devices
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 23E - Circuit breakers and similar devices for household and similar applications
• Drafting Committee: CLC/TC 23E - Circuit breakers and similar devices for household and similar applications
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 01-May-2026
• Completion Date: 01-May-2026
• Directive: Harmonized Standard2014/30/EU - Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility (recast)
• Directive:

  ---

  Harmonized Standard2014/35/EU - Directive 2014/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits
• Mandate: M/511 - Mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI relating to harmonised standards in the field of the Low Voltage Directive
• Mandate: M/552 - [C(2016) 7641 final] Standardisation request as regards harmonised standards in support of Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility
• Ref Project: SIST EN 62606:2014/A11:2026 - General requirements for arc fault detection devices

• Amends: EN 62606:2013 - General requirements for arc fault detection devices
• Effective Date: 26-Jul-2021
• Amends: EN 62606:2013/A2:2026 - General requirements for arc fault detection devices
• Effective Date: 26-Jul-2021

Overview

EN 62606:2013/A11:2026 - General Requirements for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) specifies the safety, performance, and testing requirements for arc fault detection devices, especially for household and similar electrical installations operating at 50 Hz. Developed by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), this standard aims to enhance the protection against electrical fires caused by arc faults through consistent product requirements across Europe. As an amendment to EN 62606:2013, it introduces key changes reflecting evolving regulatory and technical expectations.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  EN 62606:2013/A11:2026 applies to AFDDs intended for use in low-voltage AC electrical installations at rated frequencies of 50 Hz, replacing former references to 60 Hz applications.

• Device Classification
  Devices are classified according to their poles and current paths, with specific requirements for their construction, marking, and operational parameters.

• Performance Characteristics
  The standard details preferred values for rated voltage (e.g., deletion of 120 V/240 V columns) and impulse withstand voltage requirements, ensuring devices perform reliably under typical operating and fault conditions.

• Marking and Information
  Updated marking requirements focus on rated frequency and other critical product information, increasing transparency and aiding compliance.

• Testing and Construction
  EN 62606:2013/A11:2026 refines test procedures for clearances, creepage distances, impulse withstand voltage, and behavior under simulated arc faults, ensuring the resilience and effectiveness of AFDDs.

• Compliance with EU Directives
  The standard aligns with Directive 2014/30/EU (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and Directive 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive), facilitating conformity assessment and market access within the EU.

Applications

• Residential Electrical Installations
  The standard is pivotal for manufacturers, installers, and inspectors of household and similar premises, where AFDDs provide enhanced fire safety by detecting and disconnecting dangerous arc faults.

• Product Development and Quality Assurance
  Device manufacturers apply the standard's requirements in the design, type testing, and production of compliant AFDDs, ensuring product consistency, safety, and regulatory acceptance.

• Regulatory Compliance
  The harmonization with essential safety and EMC directives simplifies the process for proving product conformity, a critical requirement for CE marking and placement on the European market.

• Inspection and Maintenance
  Electrical inspectors and maintenance personnel reference this standard for verifying installation and functional safety, ensuring that AFDDs perform as intended and contribute to overall system integrity.

Related Standards

Professionals working with EN 62606:2013/A11:2026 may also need to consult the following standards for comprehensive compliance and safety:

• IEC 60364 series - Low-voltage electrical installations
• EN 60898-1 - Circuit-breakers for overcurrent protection
• EN 61008-1 & EN 61009-1 - Residual current operated circuit-breakers
• EN 61543 - Residual current-operated protective devices
• EN 61000 series - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and immunity
• EN 60529 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)

By following EN 62606:2013/A11:2026 and related standards, organizations ensure reliable, effective, and standardized arc fault protection-minimizing fire risks and supporting the safety of residential and similar electrical installations throughout Europe.

Keywords: arc fault detection devices, AFDD, EN 62606, electrical safety, low-voltage installations, European standard, harmonized standard, household electrical protection, CENELEC, electromagnetic compatibility, fire prevention.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2026
Splošne zahteve za obločne detektorje
General requirements for arc fault detection devices
Allgemeine Anforderungen an Fehlerlichtbogen-Schutzeinrichtungen
Exigences générales des dispositifs pour la détection de défaut d’arcs
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 62606:2013/A11:2026
ICS:
29.120.50 Varovalke in druga Fuses and other overcurrent
nadtokovna zaščita protection devices
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 62606:2013/A11

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM May 2026
ICS 29.120.01; 29.120.50
English Version
General requirements for arc fault detection devices
Exigences générales des dispositifs pour la détection de Allgemeine Anforderungen an Fehlerlichtbogen-
défaut d'arcs Schutzeinrichtungen
This amendment A11 modifies the European Standard EN 62606:2013; it was approved by CENELEC on 2026-02-25. CENELEC members
are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this amendment the status of a
national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This amendment exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the
responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as
the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 62606:2013/A11:2026 E

European foreword
This document (EN 62606:2013/A11:2026) has been prepared by CLC/TC 23E "Circuit breakers and similar
devices for household and similar applications".
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) 2027-05-31
implemented at national level by publication of
an identical national standard or by
endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) 2029-05-31
conflicting with this document have to be
withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CENELEC by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A complete
listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.

1 Modifications to Clause 1, "Scope"
Add after the Title “Scope”:
"Replace in the first paragraph, modified by Amendment 1, “with rated frequencies of 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz”
with “with rated frequencies of 50 Hz”."
Add, before the last paragraph:
"Delete in the tenth paragraph, at the end of second dash “or 60 Hz”"
Add at the end:
"Renumber Note 5, introduced by Amendment 1, to Note 4."
2 Modifications to Clause 4, "Classification"
Add the following:
"4.3  According to the number of poles and current paths
Delete Note 1.
4.4  AFDD providing monitoring information
Replace the title of subclause “4.4” with “Void”.
Delete the content of subclause 4.4."
3 Modifications to Clause 5, "Characteristics of AFDDs"
Below the title "5  Characteristics of AFDDs”, add the following:
"5.3  Standard and preferred values
5.3.1 Preferred values of rated voltage (U )
n
Delete the first row “Single-pole (with two current paths)” from Table 22.
Delete the last column for “Rated voltage of AFDDs for use in systems 120/240 V or 240V” from Table 22.
Delete Note 3 and Note 4 of Table 22.
Delete the Note after Table 22."
4 Modification to 5.4, "Standard values of rated impulse withstand voltage (U )"
imp
Below the title "5.4  Standard values of rated impulse withstand voltage (U )” add the following:
imp
rd
"In Table 4, delete the line with U =2,5kV and delete the 3 column.
imp
a
Reword footnote of Table 4 as follows:
a
The value 5 kV is used for verifying the isolating distances across open contacts at the altitude of 2 000 m
(see Table 16).
Delete footnotes b and c of Table 4."
5 Modification to Clause 6, "Marking and other product information"
Below the title "6  Marking and other product information”, add the following:
"In Table 5, replace the second column of item d with:
“rated frequency”."
6 Modifications to Clause 8, "Requirements for construction and operation"
Add the following at the end of subclause 8.2.3, “Clearances and creepage distances (see Annex B)”:
nd rd
"In Table 7, delete the 2 column with U =2,5kV and the 3 column with U =4kV for 120/240V and 240V
imp imp
systems.
th th th
In Table 7, delete the 5 , 7 and 9 columns under “Rated Voltage V”, corresponding to “Minimum creepage
distances” and Item 4, for 120 / 240 and 1.5."
7 Modifications to 9.7.7, "Verification of impulse withstand voltages (across
clearances and across solid insulation) and of leakage current across open
contacts"
Above the title "9.7.7.5  Verification of the behaviour of components bridging the basic insulation", add the
following:
"9.7.7.4.1  General
In Table 16, delete the two rows corresponding to single phase systems and delete the words “single-phase
system”.
In Table 16, replace, “Three-phase” with “Single and three-phase”.
In Table 16, delete footnotes a and b."
Below the title "9.7.7.5  Verification of the behaviour of components bridging the basic insulation”, add the
following:
"Replace the first sentence of the third paragraph with:
The test voltage has a frequency of 50 Hz."
8 Modification to 9.9.1, "General"
Before the title "9.9.2  Series arc fault tests”, add the following:
"9.9.1  General
In the third paragraph, delete the text in brackets and the brackets.
Delete the fourth paragraph."
9 Modification to 9.9.2.6, "Preparation of the cable specimens"
Before the title "9.9.2.8  Verification of correct operation …with unbalanced load”, add the following:
"9.9.2.6  Preparation of the cable specimens
Delete in fourth paragraph “a 100 W/120 V incandescent lamp starts to glow at 120 V or a resistance having an
equivalent resistance value (with 100 W/120 V incandescent lamp) in series with the path draws 0,3 A at 120 V
or”."
10 Modifications to 9.9.3.2, "Verification of correct operation in case of parallel arc
cable cutting test"
In the second paragraph, delete “1,2 mm thick (nominal) for a 120 V rated AFDD or” and “for a 230 V AFDD”.
11 Modifications to 9.9.4.2, "Masking test with inhibition loads"
In the sixth paragraph, delete “single-pole AFDDs with two current paths”.
Delete in item a) “for a 230 V rated voltage AFDD and at 10 A to 14 A for a 120 V rated voltage AFDD”.
Delete in item b) “for a 230 V rated voltage AFDD and 5 A for a 120 V rated voltage AFDD”.
Replace item c) with:
"c)  a 2.2 kW capacitor start (air compressor type) motor (compressor operating with open valve to prevent
pressure in the air tank)."
Delete the first sentence of item d) and “For AFDD with rated voltage of 230 V,” at the beginning of the second
sentence.
At the end of 9.9.4.2, add the following:
"Delete in the fourth paragraph after item g) “for a 230 V rated voltage AFDD”."
12 Modifications to 9.9.4.3, "Masking test with EMI filter", and 9.9.4.4, "Masking test
with line impedance"
After 9.9.4.2, add the following:
"9.9.4.3  Masking test with EMI filter
In the first paragraph, delete “for a 230 V rated voltage AFDD.
Delete in item a) “(or 50 feet)”, “(or 12 AWG)”, “(or 6 feet)“ and “(or 16 AWG)“/
Delete in item b) “(or 50 feet)”, “(or 12 AWG)”, “(or 6 feet)“ and “(or 16 AWG)“.
9.9.4.4  Masking test with line impedance
In the second paragraph, delete “(or 100 feet)” and “(or 12 AWG)”.
In the second paragraph, delete “or a 230 V rated voltage AFDD”."
13 Modification to 9.9.5.2, "Cross talk test"
After the title "9.9.5  Unwanted tripping test”, add the following:
"9.9.5.2  Cross talk test
Delete in the second paragraph, last sentence “or a duration of minimum 1 s for a 120 V circuit,”."
14 Modifications to 9.9.5.4, "Test with various disturbing loads for single-pole AFDD
with two current path and two-pole AFDD"
Replace the title of 9.9.5.4 as follows:
"9.9.5.4  Test with various disturbing loads for two-pole AFDDs and four-pole AFDDs"
And add below this title:
"In 9.9.5.4, apply the following modifications:
Delete in item a) “for a 230 V rated voltage AFDD".
Delete in item b) “for a 230 V rated voltage AFDD".
Replace item c) with:
“A 2,2 kW capacitor start motor (air compressor type) is to be started under load (compressor operating without
any air pressure in the air tank) and operated.”.
Delete in item d) “for a 230 V rated voltage AFDD."
15 Modifications to 9.11.2.2, "General conditions for test"
Add aft
...