IEC 62683-2-3:2024

Overview

IEC 62683-2-3:2024 is an international standard from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines structured data models for functional safety and reliability properties of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. Its purpose is to facilitate reliable information exchange between computers and engineering tools, especially in the context of designing safety-related control systems and performing dependability analysis in electrotechnical systems. This standard supports the automation, design, and assessment processes by providing clear and unambiguous definitions of product properties, value lists, and units, according to recognized IEC and ISO safety standards.

Key Topics

• Functional Safety Data Model: Describes safety-relevant features of switchgear and controlgear used within systems designed per IEC 62061, IEC 61508-2, and ISO 13849-1. Includes properties such as safety integrity level, proof test interval, category, and performance level.
• Reliability Data Model: Provides key parameters for dependability analysis, like mean operating time to failure (MTTF), mean time between failures (MTBF), and useful operational lifetime.
• Standardized Property Definitions: Each property is uniquely defined with its name, purpose, data format, unit, and possible values, enabling precise data mapping.
• Data Interoperability: Structured engineering models are designed to be compatible and complementary with the generic product cataloguing in IEC 62683-1.
• Exclusions: The document does not specify data exchange formats (as defined in VDMA 66413), explosive atmosphere applications, or manufacturer-specific features.

Applications

IEC 62683-2-3:2024 delivers significant practical value to a range of industries involved in automation, electrical engineering, and safety assurance:

• Engineering Design and Automation: Provides essential data models for use in engineering tools when designing and verifying low-voltage control systems and safety-related hardware.
• Functional Safety Assessment: Facilitates compliance verification with leading international standards for machinery and programmable electronic systems, such as IEC 62061, IEC 61508-2, and ISO 13849-1.
• Dependability and Reliability Analysis: Supplies standardized attributes and values for reliability modeling, crucial for lifecycle assessments, predictive maintenance, and risk analysis.
• Digital Product Data Exchange: Enables seamless communication and integration of data between different enterprises, software platforms, and geographies by using harmonized attribute definitions and value lists.
• Global Sourcing and Selection: Assists procurement, specification, and comparison of switchgear by providing clarity and a common language for product safety and reliability attributes.

Related Standards

When applying IEC 62683-2-3:2024, it is important to refer to related international standards for full context and interoperability:

• IEC 62683-1: Defines product catalogue data models for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear.
• IEC 60947-1: Provides general rules for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear.
• IEC 61360-1: Specifies standard data element types and classification schemes, foundational for the property modeling in this standard.
• IEC 61508-2: Covers functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems.
• IEC 62061: Relates to the functional safety of safety-related control systems for machinery.
• ISO 13849-1: Addresses safety-related parts of control systems and their general design principles.

Summary

IEC 62683-2-3:2024 empowers manufacturers, system integrators, and end-users by defining interoperable, unambiguous functional safety and reliability data models for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. By streamlining data exchange, standardizing terminology, and supporting compliance with international safety standards, it enhances safety, efficiency, and digitalization across the electrical engineering sector.