IEC 62708:2015

Overview

IEC 62708:2015 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines document kinds for electrical and instrumentation (E&I) projects in the process industry. Its primary focus is to establish standardized names and mandatory content requirements of various document types used throughout E&I engineering projects. This standard fosters clear communication, consistent documentation, and improved cooperation among stakeholders in the process industry worldwide.

By specifying document kinds with detailed content guidelines, IEC 62708:2015 minimizes the risks of misinterpretation and inconsistencies when multiple partners collaborate on complex industrial projects involving electrical and instrumentation systems. The standard supports the seamless exchange and management of engineering documents, pivotal for efficient project execution and quality assurance in the process sector.

Key Topics

• Document Kind Names: IEC 62708 defines standardized names for each document type, harmonizing the terminology used across international engineering projects.

• Mandatory Content: For each document kind, the standard specifies the essential content elements to ensure clarity, completeness, and uniformity in project documentation.

• Scope of Use: The standard covers all typical E&I documents relevant to process industries such as chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.

• International Cooperation: Facilitates efficient collaboration among diverse partners by establishing a common language in document preparation and exchange.

• Conformity and Requests: The standard addresses conformity requirements and the procedures to request specific document kinds, ensuring project compliance.

• Multilingual Support: Annexes provide names of document kinds in multiple languages (English, French, Chinese, German) to support global implementation.

Applications

IEC 62708:2015 is crucial for engineers, project managers, contractors, and documentation specialists involved in electrical and instrumentation projects within the process industry. Typical applications include:

• Project Documentation Management: Standardizing deliverables across multi-partner projects, avoiding discrepancies and reducing rework.

• Engineering Specifications and Designs: Ensuring detailed and consistent documentation for electrical schematics, instrumentation diagrams, cable lists, and more.

• Quality Assurance and Control: Facilitating clear documentation for testing, maintenance, and operational procedures.

• Contractual and Legal Compliance: Providing a reliable reference that supports contractual duties related to documentation deliverables.

• Training and Knowledge Transfer: Offering a common framework for teaching and guiding new practitioners in project documentation standards.

• Digital Document Handling: Complementing IEC 61355 database usage to improve digital storage, retrieval, and handling of engineering documents.

Related Standards

• IEC 61355: Classification and designation of documents for plants, systems, and equipment – closely related for document management and classification.

• IEC 61508: Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems – overlaps in documentation practices for safety instrumented systems.

• ISO 9001: Quality management systems – supports documentation control processes complementary to IEC 62708 guidelines.

• IEC 61131: Programmable controllers – relates to programming documentation within electrical and instrumentation projects.

Keywords: IEC 62708, process industry standards, electrical documentation, instrumentation projects, engineering document kinds, project documentation, electrical and instrumentation standards, IEC electrical standards, process automation documentation, international engineering standards