IEC 62026-1:2019

Overview

IEC 62026-1:2019 - "Low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear - Controller‑device interfaces (CDIs) - Part 1: General rules" - defines the general rules, components and requirements for interfaces between low‑voltage switchgear/controlgear and controllers (for example programmable controllers and PCs). This third edition (2019) replaces the 2007 edition and constitutes a technical revision, with notable updates to safety information, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) immunity and emissions requirements.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Applies to industrial CDIs used in control systems, factory and process automation.
  • Excludes higher‑level fieldbus networks (handled by IEC SC 65C).
• Structure and clauses
  • Covers classifications, CDI components, interfaces, topology, information exchange and attributes.
  • Specifies product information (instructions, profiles, marking, degree of protection), normal service/mounting/transport conditions, constructional and performance requirements, EMC and testing.
• EMC requirements (significant 2019 updates)
  • Additional requirements for safety information and instructions, including measures needed to achieve EMC compliance.
  • Immunity requirements aligned with the IEC 61000‑6 series; radiated radio‑frequency electromagnetic field test level raised up to 6 GHz.
  • Emissions requirements aligned with current CISPR 11 publication.
• Tests and verification
  • Type tests and EMC test specifications are defined to verify conformity to the general CDI rules.
• Integration guidance
  • Provides a common structure to harmonize CDI-specific standards across the IEC 62026 series and aids software developers of higher‑layer control functions.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear use IEC 62026-1 to ensure CDI designs meet general interoperability, environmental and EMC requirements.
• System integrators and automation engineers reference the standard when selecting or comparing CDIs for control systems, factory automation and process control.
• Compliance officers and test laboratories rely on the EMC and type‑test requirements for certification and conformity assessment.
• Product developers and software teams benefit from the standardized interface definitions when implementing supervisory control, operator interfaces and control strategies.

Related standards (normative references)

• IEC 60947‑1 (Low‑voltage switchgear and controlgear - General rules)
• IEC 61000‑4‑2/3/4/5/6 (EMC testing techniques)
• IEC 61000‑6‑2 (Generic immunity for industrial environments)
• CISPR 11 (Industrial, scientific and medical RF disturbance limits)

IEC 62026-1:2019 is a foundational document for CDI interoperability and EMC compliance in industrial automation - key for manufacturers, integrators and testing bodies working with low‑voltage control interfaces.