IEC 61784-5-6:2018

Overview

IEC 61784-5-6:2018 specifies installation profiles for CPF 6 (INTERBUS) within the IEC 61784 family for industrial communication networks. The standard defines how the communication profiles (CPs) of CPF 6 are to be installed by indicating which requirements of IEC 61918:2018 apply and where they are supplemented, modified, or replaced. This edition aligns CPF 6 installation guidance with IEC 61918:2018 and adds new connector definitions. The installation requirements are provided as normative annexes read in conjunction with IEC 61918.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard focuses on practical, installation-level requirements for INTERBUS networks, including:

• Installation planning
  • Objectives and planning process for cabling in industrial premises
  • Safety, security, EMC and environmental considerations
• Network capabilities and topology
  • Guidance on CPF 6 network topologies and characteristics (including Ethernet and Type 8 variants in annexes)
• Cabling and components
  • Cable selection criteria, connector and terminating hardware guidance
  • Shielding, earthing and bonding practices for reliable fieldbus performance
  • Mechanical protection, routing, separation of circuits and storage/transportation of cables
• Connector and terminator installation
  • Requirements for shielded/unshielded connectors and proper termination techniques
• Wireless considerations
  • Specific requirements and verification steps when wireless elements are used
• Verification, acceptance and documentation
  • Installation verification steps, acceptance testing (Ethernet and non‑Ethernet), test reporting and “as‑implemented” documentation
• Maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Guidance for ongoing administration, maintenance procedures and fault diagnostics
• Annex structure
  • Normative annexes provide CP-specific installation profiles (e.g., CPF 6 Type 8, CPF 6 Ethernet) and are intended to be used with IEC 61918.

Practical applications and users

IEC 61784-5-6:2018 is used where consistent, reliable INTERBUS installations are required:

• Automation and controls engineers specifying fieldbus cabling and installation practices
• System integrators and installers deploying CPF 6 (INTERBUS) networks on factory floors, process plants and machine lines
• OEMs and device manufacturers ensuring product compatibility and compliance
• Commissioning teams and test labs performing installation verification and acceptance testing
• Maintenance and reliability teams troubleshooting cabling, EMC or grounding issues

Keywords: IEC 61784-5-6:2018, CPF 6, INTERBUS, installation profiles, IEC 61918, industrial communication networks, fieldbus installation, cabling, EMC, earthing, connectors.

Related standards

• IEC 61918:2018 (communication profile definitions referenced by this document)
• IEC 61784 series (Profiles for industrial communication networks)
• ISO/IEC 11801-3 (generic cabling in industrial premises referenced in annexes)