IEC 62955:2026 Published: RCM Mandatory for PV DC Side

On May 15, 2026, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) officially published IEC 62955:2026, introducing a mandatory requirement for residual current monitoring (RCM) on the photovoltaic (PV) direct-current (DC) side for all systems using IEC 61215/61730-certified modules. This development directly affects PV component manufacturers, inverter and balance-of-system (BOS) suppliers, and export-oriented hardware integrators—particularly those targeting EU, Australia, and South Korea markets—due to upcoming enforcement and certification implications.

Event Overview

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) released IEC 62955:2026 on May 15, 2026. The standard newly mandates residual current monitoring (RCM) functionality on the PV DC side for any system incorporating modules certified to IEC 61215 or IEC 61730. Enforcement begins March 1, 2027. Compliance requires updated RCM module design and new CB certification under the 2026 edition; non-compliant devices will face market access restrictions in the EU, Australia, and South Korea.

Industries Affected by Segment

Component Manufacturers (PV Module & BOS Suppliers)

Manufacturers producing inverters, combiner boxes, DC isolators, or integrated string-level safety units must now embed RCM capability on the DC side. This affects product architecture, PCB layout, firmware logic, and safety validation protocols—not just add-on components.

Export-Oriented Hardware Integrators

Companies assembling complete PV kits or turnkey solutions for overseas markets will need full-system re-certification. Legacy designs without DC-side RCM will no longer qualify for CB Scheme acceptance in key destinations after March 2027, risking shipment delays or customs rejection.

CB Certification Service Providers & Testing Laboratories

Testing labs accredited for CB Scheme activities must update test plans, calibration procedures, and reporting templates to align with IEC 62955:2026’s DC-side RCM verification requirements—including fault injection methods, response time thresholds, and immunity to DC ripple.

Supply Chain Managers & Procurement Teams

Procurement of RCM ICs, current sensors, and associated protection circuitry must now reference the 2026 edition’s performance criteria. Sourcing decisions made before Q3 2026 may require requalification if supplier datasheets do not explicitly cover DC-side residual current detection per IEC 62955:2026.

Key Focus Areas and Recommended Actions

Monitor official implementation timelines from national standards bodies

While IEC 62955:2026 is published, adoption into regional regulatory frameworks (e.g., EN 62955 in the EU, AS/NZS 62955 in Australia) remains pending. Stakeholders should track updates from CENELEC, Standards Australia, and KATS—especially regarding transitional arrangements and grandfathering clauses.

Prioritize RCM module redesign for products destined for EU, Australia, and South Korea

Given that enforcement starts March 1, 2027, and CB certification cycles typically take 8–12 weeks, engineering teams should initiate design reviews by Q3 2026 at the latest. Focus should be on DC-side sensing accuracy (≤30 mA), fault detection latency (<500 ms), and interoperability with existing arc-fault detection systems.

Distinguish between regulatory signal and operational readiness

IEC publication signals intent but does not equate to immediate legal force. However, leading notified bodies and certification agencies are already preparing internal guidance. Early engagement with CB Scheme participants—especially those active in PV safety testing—is advisable to clarify interpretation of Clause 5.4 (DC-side RCM application scope).

Update technical documentation and supplier agreements ahead of enforcement

Technical files, declaration of conformity statements, and OEM supply contracts should reflect compliance with IEC 62955:2026—not just prior editions. Suppliers of RCM subassemblies must provide updated test reports and traceable component certifications meeting the 2026 version’s DC-side requirements.

Editorial Perspective / Industry Observation

Observably, IEC 62955:2026 represents a structural shift—not merely an incremental update—in PV electrical safety philosophy. It formalizes DC-side fault detection as a system-level responsibility rather than an optional add-on. Analysis shows this reflects growing field experience with DC arc faults in high-voltage string configurations and increasing insurer and grid operator scrutiny. From an industry perspective, it functions less as a near-term compliance deadline and more as a marker of evolving baseline expectations for PV safety architecture. Continued attention is warranted as national adoptions unfold and real-world validation data accumulates.

Conclusion: IEC 62955:2026 establishes a new minimum safety expectation for PV systems operating in internationally harmonized markets. Its significance lies not in immediate disruption, but in defining the technical floor for future product development and certification. Currently, it is best understood as a binding specification in development—confirmed at the IEC level, pending national transposition, and requiring proactive alignment across engineering, certification, and supply chain functions.

Source: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) — Official Publication Notice for IEC 62955:2026 (issued May 15, 2026).
Noted for ongoing observation: National adoption status and transition periods set by CENELEC, Standards Australia, and KATS remain pending and will be updated separately as announced.