This application provides an apparatus for detecting and evaluating residual current in a DC-powered electrical
system. The apparatus includes: at least two power lines to be monitored for load current; an evaluation circuit for evaluating smoothed DC residual current; and a
current transformer for detecting the smoothed DC residual current, through which the monitored power lines guide the load current. At least one secondary winding of the
current transformer is electrically connected to an oscillation circuit for detecting the smoothed DC residual current, and the oscillation circuit is electrically connected to the evaluation circuit for evaluating the smoothed DC residual current. Apparatus for evaluating residual current with
AC components of different frequencies and pulsating DC residual current is also provided. These apparatuses include at least a second evaluation circuit electrically connected at least on the input side to the secondary winding of the
current transformer. This apparatus is suitable for DC electrical systems for detecting and evaluating residual current with
AC components of different frequencies and smoothed and pulsating DC residual current.