IEC 81346-2:2009

Overview

IEC 81346-2:2009 is an international standard jointly published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This standard specifies classification principles and letter codes for classes of industrial objects based on purpose or task-related perspectives. It is part of the IEC 81346 series, which outlines structuring principles and reference designations for industrial systems, installations, and equipment.

The classification system defined in IEC 81346-2:2009 applies across all technical areas-including electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering-and across diverse industries such as energy, chemical processing, building technology, shipbuilding, and marine technology. This horizontal standard provides a consistent way to classify objects in engineering design processes, supporting clear and uniform reference designation.

Key Topics

• Classification Principles: Objects are classified based on their intended purpose or task, ensuring each class and subclass is distinctly defined. Hierarchical classification enables a clear structure from broad main classes to more specific subclasses.

• Letter Codes: Each class and subclass is assigned specific letter codes, which serve as standardized shorthand in reference designations, facilitating multi-disciplinary communication and documentation.

• Independence from Object Location: The classification focuses on object type rather than physical placement in a system. This allows consistent classification regardless of how or where an object is used.

• Scalability and Expansion: The classification scheme is designed for future expansion, accommodating new types of objects and evolving needs across technical areas.

• Comprehensive Applicability: The classifications apply to all technical disciplines and industries, supporting interdisciplinary integration for industrial systems and products.

• Structured Tables and Annexes: The standard includes detailed tables outlining classes and subclasses (e.g., codes A to Z), as well as informative annexes illustrating classification of objects related to generic processes and infrastructure.

Applications

IEC 81346-2:2009 is essential in various practical contexts where standardized object classification improves system design, documentation, and communication:

• Industrial Design Processes: Enables engineers and designers across electrical, mechanical, and civil domains to apply consistent object classifications when developing industrial installations.

• Multi-disciplinary Projects: Facilitates a unified classification language across different engineering teams and industry sectors, such as energy, shipbuilding, and chemical processing.

• Documentation and Reference Designations: Supports clear and standardized reference designations, improving interoperability and traceability in technical documents, manuals, and databases.

• Asset Management and Maintenance: Helps classify equipment and components for systematic maintenance planning and inventory management.

• Building and Infrastructure Technology: Assists architects and engineers to classify system components according to their functional roles in complex infrastructures.

Related Standards

IEC 81346-2:2009 is part of the broader IEC 81346 series, dedicated to structuring principles and reference designations for industrial systems and products:

• IEC 81346-1: Provides general rules for the construction of reference designations, complementing the classification schemes of Part 2.

• Other IEC 81346 Parts: Further parts elaborate on specific aspects such as requirements, applications, and classification in different contexts.

The standard also aligns with IEC Guide 108 recommendations for horizontal standards, ensuring consistency with other IEC and ISO technical product documentation standards. Practitioners are encouraged to use the latest editions and supplementary materials available through IEC to ensure compliance and up-to-date practices.

Keywords: IEC 81346-2, industrial classification standard, reference designations, object classification, letter codes, engineering standards, industrial systems, multi-disciplinary classification, IEC standard, process classification, infrastructure classification, technical documentation.