IEC TS 61850-1-2:2020

Overview

IEC TS 61850-1-2:2020 - "Communication networks and systems for power utility automation - Part 1-2: Guideline on extending IEC 61850" is a Technical Specification from IEC that provides a structured approach for extending the IEC 61850 standard. It is intended primarily for standardization bodies but is useful to utilities, vendors and system integrators that plan to adapt or extend IEC 61850 for product, domain or private uses. The document defines required steps, high‑level requirements and guidance for safe, interoperable extensions of the IEC 61850 data model, services and XML namespaces.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Extension cases covered
  • Product‑level standards with IEC 61850 interfaces
  • Domain‑level standards based on IEC 61850
  • Transitional standards and transitional namespaces
  • Private namespaces built on IEC 61850
  • Mapping IEC 61850 data model at CDC (Common Data Class) level
  • Development and management of IEC 61850 domain profiles
• Technical aspects
  • Reminders of basic requirements from the IEC 61850 series (object model, SCL, services)
  • Identification and listing of allowed flexibilities in the standard
  • Rules for XML namespace extensions and logical node reuse/extension
  • Data model extension principles and semantic documentation requirements
  • Cyber‑security considerations and conformance testing requirements
  • Backward compatibility and versioning management
• Process aspects
  • Initial gap analysis: how existing IEC 61850 object models and services apply
  • Procedures to extend object models: reuse, extend, or define new logical nodes
  • Management of transitional namespaces and merging into standard namespaces
  • Governance: model manager nomination, review, publication and maintenance

Applications and Who Uses It

• Standardization bodies defining product or domain standards that build on IEC 61850
• Power utilities adapting IEC 61850 for specific operational domains (DER, distribution, grid automation)
• Equipment manufacturers and vendors creating IEC 61850‑based interfaces and device profiles
• System integrators and test laboratories implementing conformance testing, interoperability profiles and SCL tooling
• Practical benefits include improved interoperability, structured namespace governance, consistent data model mapping (CDC level), and clearer rules for private and transitional extensions.

Related Standards

• IEC 61850 series (base standard for communication networks and systems for power utility automation)
• IEC TR 62361‑103 and IEC TR 61850‑7‑6 (role in defining domain profiles and related guidance)
• Other IEC 61850 parts addressing SCL, services, security and conformance testing

Keywords: IEC TS 61850-1-2:2020, IEC 61850 extension, power utility automation, namespace, logical nodes, CDC mapping, domain profiles, conformance testing, cybersecurity.