IEC 61298-1:2026

Overview

IEC 61298-1:2026 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that outlines general methods and procedures for evaluating the performance of process measurement and control devices. It specifically sets out how to conduct tests and report on functional and performance characteristics of such devices, both analogue and digital, with the exception of process measurement transmitters (PMT), which are standardized separately by the IEC 62828 series. The 2026 third edition is a technical revision that notably removes PMTs from its scope, reflecting advances and updates in the field of process instrumentation standards.

Key Topics

• Scope and Exclusions

  • Applies to process measurement and control devices defined by specific input and output variables and their transfer functions.
  • Excludes process measurement transmitters, now covered by IEC 62828.
  • Covers both analogue and digital devices, providing a flexible framework across device types.

• Testing Methods and Procedures

  • Specifies two main categories of evaluation: complete performance evaluations (type tests) and simplified tests (individual or sample tests).
  • Outlines clear reporting requirements, including documentation of methods, conditions, and any deviations or omissions in testing.
  • Emphasizes reproducibility and comparability of test results, necessitating standardized methods to enable consistent quality assessments worldwide.

• Environmental and Operating Conditions

  • Defines standard laboratory conditions for testing (temperature, humidity, pressure) and details criteria for sampling, installation, and load conditions.
  • Recommends maintaining consistent and realistic operational conditions, and minimizing external influences such as mechanical constraints or vibrations.

• Quality and Economic Considerations

  • Supports cost-effective testing by balancing comprehensive data collection with practical constraints.
  • Stipulates that any omitted or modified tests must be clearly justified and recorded.

Applications

IEC 61298-1 is widely used in various industrial sectors where reliable measurement and control are key, including:

• Product Development and Conformity Assessment
  • Manufacturers use the standard to systematically assess and document the performance characteristics of process instrumentation prior to market release.
• Quality Assurance and Procurement
  • End users and purchasers rely on standardized test reports for credible comparisons and informed selection of devices that meet specific operational needs.
• Accredited Laboratory Testing
  • Testing laboratories utilize IEC 61298-1 to ensure their methods align with international expectations, supporting accreditation and third-party validation processes.
• Normative Reference for Further Standards
  • Acts as a reference document when developing device-specific or application-specific standards, ensuring consistency across the IEC 61298 series and related documents.

Related Standards

• IEC 61298 Series

  • IEC 61298-2: Tests under reference conditions
  • IEC 61298-3: Determination of influence quantity effects
  • IEC 61298-4: Test report documentation requirements

• IEC 62828 Series

  • Dedicated to process measurement transmitters (PMT), which are no longer in the scope of IEC 61298-1.

• IEC 60050 & ISO/IEC 80000

  • Provide essential terminology and units used throughout the evaluation and documentation processes.

• Other Related Standards

  • IEC 60410: Sampling plans and procedures used in device selection
  • IEC Electropedia: Online reference for electrotechnical terminology

By applying IEC 61298-1:2026, organizations ensure robust, repeatable, and internationally recognized performance assessment and reporting of process measurement and control devices, supporting the quality and reliability critical to industrial automation and process control applications.