IEC 60870-5-6:2006

Overview

IEC 60870-5-6:2006 provides guidelines and methods for conformance testing of telecontrol equipment and systems (including Substation Automation Systems and SCADA front-end functions) that implement the IEC 60870-5 companion standards. The standard defines a common testing framework to verify protocol implementations, reduce the risk of non‑interoperability, and enable unambiguous evaluation of device behaviour. It focuses on communication and protocol functionality - not on EMC, safety or environmental requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Conformance testing methodology: Defines the verification process to determine whether a device implements the applicable IEC 60870-5 companion standard and the applicable Protocol Implementation Document (PID).
• Test procedures and test plans: Guidance for preparing conformance test procedures, including mandatory, optional and “mandatory optional” test cases (PICS/PIXIT-driven).
• Quality assurance and quality plan: Requirements for a testing quality program, documentation, hold points and test facility responsibilities.
• Testing process: Conceptual conformance assessment flow and practical testing sequences (including negative tests to check non-conformant traffic handling).
• Terminology and interfaces: Standardized terms (PICS, PID, PIXIT, ASDU, FAT, interoperability, interchangability) to ensure consistent interpretation between suppliers, test labs and users.
• Documentation: Requirements for test reports, configuration lists, address configuration files and evidence needed for a conformance statement.
• Normative references: Links to companion documents - IEC 60870-5-1..5, ISO/IEC 9646 (conformance testing methodology) and forthcoming test-case specs (IEC 60870-5-60x).

Practical applications and who uses it

• Device manufacturers use IEC 60870-5-6 to design and validate protocol implementations before product release and Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).
• Independent test laboratories apply the guidelines to perform repeatable, supplier‑independent conformance tests and issue conformance statements.
• Utilities and system integrators rely on conformance results to reduce integration risks, support interoperability testing and aid procurement decisions.
• Certification bodies and QA teams use the documented test methods to assess compliance claims and produce auditable test reports.

Benefits include a standardized approach to protocol conformance, clearer interoperability expectations between vendors, and reduced deployment risk for SCADA and substation automation projects.

Related standards

• IEC 60870-5-1, -5-2, -5-3, -5-4, -5-5 (transmission formats, link procedures, application data, information elements, basic functions)
• IEC 60870-5-101 / -102 / -103 / -104 companion standards
• IEC 60870-5-60x (detailed conformance test cases)
• ISO/IEC 9646 (OSIEC conformance testing methodology)

For authoritative text and latest updates, consult the IEC webstore and the IEC 60870-5 series documents.