CapZero Implementation

Hi In the Data sheet for CapZero it is stated: “Designing with CAPZero is simply a matter of selecting the appropriate CAPZero device and external resistor values in Table 1 for the X capacitor value being used. This design choice will provide a worst case RC time constant, when the AC supply is disconnected, of less than 1 second as required by international safety standards.” Which standard(s) do you refer to in this case? Our products are to comply with EN60335 in where it is stated that: “22.5 Appliances intended to be connected to the supply mains by means of a plug shall be constructed so that in normal use there is no risk of electric shock from charged capacitors having a rated capacitance exceeding 0,1uF. Compliance is checked by the following test: The appliance is supplied at rated voltage. Any switch is then placed in the OFF position and the appliance is disconnected from the supply mains at the instant of voltage peak. One second after disconnection, the voltage between the pins of the plug is measured with an instrument that does not appreciable affect the value to be measured. The voltage shall not exceed 34V.” To fulfill this demand having a capacitance (X) rated 4,4 uF supplied at 230 Volts would render a bleeder resistance of approx 80kOhms to fulfill EN60335. This in turn will give an initial discharge current above 4mA. Can any CapZero model handle this current? What is meant by “saturation current” in the Data sheet? Is it necessary to split the bleeder resistor? Traditionally we use one resistor VR-type for the purpose of discharging the X-cap. Claes_Jonzon@whirlpool.com Project Engineer Whirlpool Europe Srl