IEC 62648:2022
(Main)Graphical symbols for use on equipment - Guidelines for the inclusion of graphical symbols in IEC publications
Graphical symbols for use on equipment - Guidelines for the inclusion of graphical symbols in IEC publications
IEC 62648:2022 document provides guidelines to help ensure that the requirement in ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2:2021, 28.6.2 is met, such that graphical symbols for use on equipment in IEC product publications are consistent with the requirements of horizontal publications IEC 60417, and ISO 7000. This document is intended to be used by any IEC and ISO committees to develop graphical symbols for use on equipment for inclusion in their product publications. This document is based on and develops upon IEC Guide 108:2019, Clause 8. For the creation of new graphical symbols for use on equipment, IEC 80416-1 and ISO 80416 2 are applied. For the application of standardized graphical symbols for use on equipment, IEC 80416-3 and ISO 80416-4 are applied. This horizontal publication is primarily intended for use by committees in the preparation of publications in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 108. One of the responsibilities of a committee is, wherever applicable, to make use of horizontal publications in the preparation of its publications. The contents of this horizontal publication will not apply unless specifically referred to or included in the relevant publications. IEC 62648:2022 cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012 and Amendment 1:2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) new terms and definitions in IEC Guide 108 have been incorporated;
b) the designation "IEC 60417 SDB" has been introduced following the publication of IEC Supplement:2022, Annex SK;
c) Subclause 6.3 has been adapted in line with IEC Guide 108:2019, Clause 8.
General Information
Relations
Overview
IEC 62648:2022 - "Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Guidelines for the inclusion of graphical symbols in IEC publications" - is a horizontal IEC standard that gives committees practical guidance to ensure graphical symbols in IEC product publications comply with horizontal symbol collections (IEC 60417, ISO 7000) and the ISO/IEC Directives (Part 2:2021, clause 28.6.2). This 2nd edition (2022) replaces the 2012 edition and Amendment 1:2015 and includes technical updates such as new terms from IEC Guide 108, the introduction of the IEC 60417 SDB designation, and alignment of subclause 6.3 with IEC Guide 108:2019.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Purpose and scope: Ensures consistency and legibility of graphical symbols for use on equipment across IEC publications.
- Normative references: Integrates key standards for symbol creation and application, including:
- IEC 60417 and ISO 7000 (symbol databases)
- IEC 80416-1 / ISO 80416-2 (creation principles)
- IEC 80416-3 / ISO 80416-4 (application and adaptation)
- IEC Guide 108 and ISO/IEC Directives (procedures and coherence)
- Design and coherence: Emphasizes coherent families of symbols, scalability, and legibility when reduced to small sizes.
- Committee responsibilities: Requires product committees to use horizontal publications where applicable and to coordinate with SC 3C for symbol registration and inclusion.
- Procedures: Contains both hard procedures (formal submission and registration steps) and soft procedures (design guidance and consultation workflows) in Annex A.
- Examples and templates: Annex B provides application examples, including safety-related symbols and negation forms; Annex C supplies change-request (CR) and symbol proposal forms.
Practical applications
- Standardizes how symbols are included in product IEC standards, technical manuals, and equipment labeling to ensure:
- International uniformity and cross-language comprehension
- Compatibility with IEC/ISO symbol databases (IEC 60417 / ISO 7000)
- Proper handling of safety-related symbols and signage
- Useful when developing new symbols, adapting icons for screens/displays, or selecting existing standardized symbols for equipment interfaces and documentation.
Who should use IEC 62648:2022
- IEC and ISO technical committees and subcommittees (especially product committees)
- Standards authors, technical writers and editors
- Symbol designers, human factors and usability engineers
- Safety engineers, labeling and compliance teams responsible for equipment markings
Related standards
- IEC 60417, ISO 7000 (graphical symbol repositories)
- IEC/ISO 80416 series (creation and application principles)
- IEC Guide 108 (coherence of IEC publications)
- ISO/IEC Directives Part 1 & 2 (standard development procedures)
IEC 62648:2022 streamlines symbol development and inclusion in IEC publications, improving clarity, safety communication, and international interoperability of equipment markings.
Standards Content (Sample)
IEC 62648 ®
Edition 2.0 2022-09
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
HORIZONTAL PUBLICATION
Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Guidelines for the inclusion of
graphical symbols in iec publications
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
IEC Secretariat Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.
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(IEV) online.
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further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
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IEC 62648 ®
Edition 2.0 2022-09
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
HORIZONTAL PUBLICATION
Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Guidelines for the inclusion of
graphical symbols in iec publications
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 01.080.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-5709-8
– 2 – IEC 62648:2022 © IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Basic requirement for graphical symbols for use on equipment to be included in
IEC publications . 9
5 Principal guidelines . 10
5.1 General . 10
5.2 Coherency of graphical symbols for use on equipment . 10
6 Responsibilities of product committees using horizontal publication IEC 60417 . 10
6.1 General . 10
6.2 Application of horizontal publication IEC 60417 . 10
6.3 New change requests to SDB owner committee for IEC 60417 (SC 3C) . 10
Annex A (normative) Hard and soft procedures . 12
A.1 General . 12
A.2 Hard procedures . 12
A.3 Soft procedures . 13
A.3.1 General . 13
A.3.2 Soft procedures for designing new graphical symbols . 13
A.3.3 Soft procedures for using existing graphical symbols . 13
Annex B (normative) Requirements and examples of applications of graphical
symbols for use on equipment . 14
B.1 General . 14
B.2 Examples . 14
B.2.1 Examples of graphical symbols for use on equipment and safety signs . 14
B.2.2 Examples of safety related graphical symbols for use on equipment and
safety signs . 16
B.2.3 Requirements and examples of negation of graphical symbols for use
on equipment . 16
Annex C (normative) CR and symbol proposal form for a new graphical symbol . 18
C.1 Proposal form for change request (CR form) . 18
C.2 Proposal form for new graphical symbol . 18
Bibliography . 20
Figure C.1 – Proposal form and illustration of new graphical symbol . 19
Table A.1 – Step-by-step approach to the hard procedures . 12
Table B.1 – Examples of graphical symbols for use on equipment as safety symbols to
form safety signs . 14
Table B.2 – Examples of safety related graphical symbols for use on equipment and
safety signs . 16
Table B.3 – Examples of negation of the meaning of graphical symbols for use on
equipment . 17
Table C.1 – Visual appearance of the CR form . 18
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS FOR USE ON EQUIPMENT –
GUIDELINES FOR THE INCLUSION OF GRAPHICAL
SYMBOLS IN IEC PUBLICATIONS
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC Publication(s)"). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 62648 has been prepared by subcommittee 3C: Graphical symbols for use on equipment,
of IEC technical committee 3: Documentation, graphical symbols and representations of
technical information. It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012 and
Amendment 1:2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) new terms and definitions in IEC Guide 108 have been incorporated;
b) the designation "IEC 60417 SDB" has been introduced following the publication of
IEC Supplement:2022, Annex SK;
c) Subclause 6.3 has been adapted in line with IEC Guide 108:2019, Clause 8.
– 4 – IEC 62648:2022 © IEC 2022
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
3C/2497/CDV 3C/2525/RVC
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
It has the status of a horizontal publication in accordance with IEC Guide 108.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates that it
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding of its
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.
INTRODUCTION
A graphical symbol is defined as a visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning used to
transmit information independently of language. Graphical symbols are used on equipment for
a wide range of purposes. The understanding of such symbols can be improved by consistent
design. This is particularly important where families of symbols are used in one location or on
similar equipment. Good design also helps to maintain the legibility of graphical symbols when
they are reduced to small dimensions for application. Thus, there is a need for those involved
in technical works to collaborate with experts in subcommittee 3C: Graphical symbols for use
on equipment, of IEC technical committee 3: Documentation, graphical symbols and
representations of technical information (SC 3C) responsible for developing and maintaining
graphical symbols for use on equipment to be standardized in the horizontal publication
IEC 60417.
This document is intended for IEC committees working on graphical symbols for use on
equipment to be included in their product publications. It provides them with guidelines and
requirements on how to create their own graphical symbols for use on equipment as well as on
how to consult SC 3C so that these symbols are also included in advance or in parallel in
IEC 60417.
This document provides commonly agreeable procedures in SC 3C and in other committees
developing product publications, including graphical symbols for use on equipment in
accordance with IEC Guide 108.
– 6 – IEC 62648:2022 © IEC 2022
GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS FOR USE ON EQUIPMENT –
GUIDELINES FOR THE INCLUSION OF GRAPHICAL
SYMBOLS IN IEC PUBLICATIONS
1 Scope
This document provides guidelines to help ensure that the requirement in ISO/IEC Directives,
Part 2:2021, 28.6.2 is met, such that graphical symbols for use on equipment in IEC product
publications are consistent with the requirements of horizontal publications IEC 60417, and
ISO 7000. This document is intended to be used by any IEC and ISO committees to develop
graphical symbols for use on equipment for inclusion in their product publications.
This document is based on and develops upon IEC Guide 108:2019, Clause 8.
For the creation of new graphical symbols for use on equipment, IEC 80416-1 and ISO 80416-2
are applied. For the application of standardized graphical symbols for use on equipment,
IEC 80416-3 and ISO 80416-4 are applied.
This horizontal publication is primarily intended for use by committees in the preparation of
publications in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 108.
One of the responsibilities of a committee is, wherever applicable, to make use of horizontal
publications in the preparation of its publications. The contents of this horizontal publication will
not apply unless specifically referred to or included in the relevant publications.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment, available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment
IEC 80416-1:2008, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 1:
Creation of graphical symbols for registration
IEC 80416-3, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 3: Guidelines
for the application of graphical symbols
IEC Guide 108:2019, Guidelines for ensuring the coherence of IEC publications – Horizontal
functions, horizontal publications and their application
ISO/IEC Directives Part 1:2022, Procedures for the technical work
ISO/IEC Directives Part 2:2021, Principles and rules for the structure and drafting of ISO and
IEC documents
ISO/IEC Directives, Supplement:2022, Procedures specific to IEC
ISO 3864-1, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 1: Design principles
for safety signs and safety markings
ISO 7000, Graphical symbols for use on equipment, available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment
ISO 7010, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Registered safety signs,
available at https://www.iso.org/obp
ISO 80416-2, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 2: Form and
use of arrows
ISO 80416-4, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 4: Guidelines
for the adaptation of graphical symbols for use on screens and displays (icons)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC Guide 108,
ISO/IEC Directives Part 1, ISO/IEC Directives Part 2, ISO/IEC Directives IEC Supplement, and
the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
equipment
associated assemblies intended to achieve a defined final objective
[SOURCE: IEC 80416-1:2008, 3.3]
3.2
graphical symbol
visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning used to transmit information independently
of language
[SOURCE: IEC 80416-1:2008, 3.4]
3.3
graphical symbol for use on equipment
graphical symbol for use on associated assemblies intended to achieve a defined final objective
3.4
safety related graphical symbol
graphical symbol for use on equipment that conveys a message with a relation to personal
and/or equipment safety and that is not qualified as a safety sign, e.g. because the related risk
is comparatively low
Note 1 to entry: A safety related graphical symbol may, e.g., express a prohibition (Do not . !) or a warning related
to a specific hazard (Caution! .); however it is not required to use the safety colours and shapes according to
ISO 3864-1. A safety related graphical symbol may be standardized in IEC 60417 or ISO 7000.
3.5
safety sign
sign which gives a general safety message, obtained by a combination of colour and geometric
shape and which, by the addition of a graphical symbol, gives a particular safety message
– 8 – IEC 62648:2022 © IEC 2022
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 68]
3.6
safety symbol
graphical symbol used together with a safety colour and safety shape to form a safety sign
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 69]
3.7
danger
signal word used to indicate an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result
in death or serious injury
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 18]
3.8
warning
signal word used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 84]
3.9
caution
signal word used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury or damage to the equipment
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 6, modified – The phrase "or damage to the equipment" has been
added.]
3.10
signal word
word that calls attention to a potentially or imminently hazardous situation
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 73]
3.11
icon
graphical symbol presented on a screen or display
Note 1 to entry: Icons can be static and interactive and change as the result of user input, or dynamic and change
as the result of equipment status.
[SOURCE: ISO 80416-4:2005, 3.3]
3.12
horizontal publication
document dealing with a subject relevant to a number of committees and of crucial importance
to ensure the coherence amongst publications
[SOURCE: IEC Guide 108:2019, 3.1.3]
3.13
product publication
document covering a specific product or family of related products within the scope of a single
product committee
[SOURCE: IEC Guide 108:2019, 3.1.4]
3.14
change request
CR
proposal to add, to change or to withdraw one or more graphical symbols for use on equipment
in IEC 60417 SDB
Note 1 to entry: A CR shall be prepared by filling in the CR form given in the URL shown in Annex C.
Note 2 to entry: A CR should normally be linked to data describing graphical symbols by filling in the form given in
Annex C.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement:2022, SK.3.1.10, modified – The words "data
elements in an SDB" have been replaced by "graphical symbols for use on equipment in
IEC 60417 SDB", Notes 1 and 2 to entry have been replaced by different Notes 1 and 2 to entry
(see SK.4.1.3).]
3.15
SDB team
SDB team for IEC 60417
permanent group of experts appointed by and acting as delegates on behalf of their National
Committees at the evaluation stage and validation stage
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement:2022, SK.3.3.3, modified – In accordance with
Note 1 to entry to SK.3.3.3, the name "SDB team for IEC 60417" has been added to the term.
The term "National Bodies" has been replaced by "National Committees" and Note 1 to entry
omitted.]
3.16
hard procedure
set of rules and g
...
IEC 62648 ®
Edition 2.0 2022-09
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
HORIZONTAL PUBLICATION
Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Guidelines for the inclusion of
graphical symbols in iec publications
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
either IEC or IEC's member National Committee in the country of the requester. If you have any questions about IEC
copyright or have an enquiry about obtaining additional rights to this publication, please contact the address below or
your local IEC member National Committee for further information.
IEC Secretariat Tel.: +41 22 919 02 11
3, rue de Varembé info@iec.ch
CH-1211 Geneva 20 www.iec.ch
Switzerland
About the IEC
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading global organization that prepares and publishes
International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.
About IEC publications
The technical content of IEC publications is kept under constant review by the IEC. Please make sure that you have the
latest edition, a corrigendum or an amendment might have been published.
IEC publications search - webstore.iec.ch/advsearchform IEC Products & Services Portal - products.iec.ch
The advanced search enables to find IEC publications by a Discover our powerful search engine and read freely all the
variety of criteria (reference number, text, technical publications previews. With a subscription you will always
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced have access to up to date content tailored to your needs.
and withdrawn publications.
Electropedia - www.electropedia.org
IEC Just Published - webstore.iec.ch/justpublished
The world's leading online dictionary on electrotechnology,
Stay up to date on all new IEC publications. Just Published
containing more than 22 300 terminological entries in English
details all new publications released. Available online and
and French, with equivalent terms in 19 additional languages.
once a month by email.
Also known as the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
(IEV) online.
IEC Customer Service Centre - webstore.iec.ch/csc
If you wish to give us your feedback on this publication or
need further assistance, please contact the Customer Service
Centre: sales@iec.ch.
IEC 62648 ®
Edition 2.0 2022-09
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
HORIZONTAL PUBLICATION
Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Guidelines for the inclusion of
graphical symbols in iec publications
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 01.080.40 ISBN 978-2-8322-5810-1
– 2 – IEC 62648:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Basic requirement for graphical symbols for use on equipment to be included in
IEC publications . 11
5 Principal guidelines . 11
5.1 General . 11
5.2 Coherency of graphical symbols for use on equipment . 11
5.3 Procedures to develop product publications including graphical symbols for
use on equipment .
6 Responsibilities of product committees using horizontal publication IEC 60417 . 12
6.1 General . 12
6.2 Application of horizontal publication IEC 60417 . 13
6.3 New change requests to SDB owner committee for IEC 60417 (SC 3C) . 13
Annex A (normative) Hard and soft procedures . 14
A.1 General . 14
A.2 Hard procedures . 14
A.3 Soft procedures . 15
A.3.1 General . 15
A.3.2 Soft procedures for designing new graphical symbols . 15
A.3.3 Soft procedures for using existing graphical symbols . 15
Annex B (informative normative) Requirements and examples of applications of
graphical symbols for use on equipment . 16
B.1 General . 16
B.2 Examples . 16
B.2.1 Examples of graphical symbols for use on equipment and safety signs . 16
B.2.2 Examples of safety related graphical symbols for use on equipment and
safety signs . 18
B.2.3 Requirements and examples of negation of graphical symbols for use
on equipment . 18
Annex C (informative) IEC 60417 – Proposal form for new graphical symbols .
Annex C (normative) CR and symbol proposal form for a new graphical symbol . 22
C.1 Proposal form for change request (CR form) . 22
C.2 Proposal form for new graphical symbol . 22
Bibliography . 24
Figure C.1 – Proposal form and illustration of new graphical symbol . 23
Table A.1 – Step-by-step approach to the hard procedures . 14
Table B.1 – Examples of graphical symbols for use on equipment as safety symbols to
form safety signs . 16
Table B.2 – Examples of safety related graphical symbols for use on equipment and
safety signs . 18
Table B.3 – Examples of negation of the meaning of graphical symbols for use on
equipment . 19
Table C.1 – Visual appearance of the CR form . 22
– 4 – IEC 62648:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS FOR USE ON EQUIPMENT –
GUIDELINES FOR THE INCLUSION OF GRAPHICAL
SYMBOLS IN IEC PUBLICATIONS
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as "IEC Publication(s)"). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between
any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent
rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes made to
the previous edition IEC 62648:2012+AMD1:2015 CSV. A vertical bar appears in the margin
wherever a change has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough
red text.
IEC 62648 has been prepared by subcommittee 3C: Graphical symbols for use on equipment,
of IEC technical committee 3: Documentation, graphical symbols and representations of
technical information. It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012 and
Amendment 1:2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) new terms and definitions in IEC Guide 108 have been incorporated;
b) the designation "IEC 60417 SDB" has been introduced following the publication of
IEC Supplement:2022, Annex SK;
c) Subclause 6.3 has been adapted in line with IEC Guide 108:2019, Clause 8.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
3C/2497/CDV 3C/2525/RVC
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
It has the status of a horizontal publication in accordance with IEC Guide 108.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates that it
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding of its
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.
– 6 – IEC 62648:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
INTRODUCTION
A graphical symbol is defined as a visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning used to
transmit information independently of language. Graphical symbols are used on equipment for
a wide range of purposes. The understanding of such symbols can be improved by consistent
design. This is particularly important where families of symbols are used in one location or on
similar equipment. Good design also helps to maintain the legibility of graphical symbols when
they are reduced to small dimensions for application. Thus, there is a need for those involved
in technical works to collaborate with experts in subcommittee 3C: Graphical symbols for use
on equipment, of IEC technical committee 3: Documentation, graphical symbols and
representations of technical information (SC 3C) responsible for developing and maintaining
graphical symbols for use on equipment to be standardized in the horizontal publication
IEC 60417.
This document is intended for IEC committees working on graphical symbols for use on
equipment to be included in their product publications. It provides them with guidelines and
requirements on how to create their own graphical symbols for use on equipment as well as on
how to consult SC 3C so that these symbols are also included in advance or in parallel in
IEC 60417.
This document provides commonly agreeable procedures in SC 3C and in other committees
developing product publications, including graphical symbols for use on equipment in
accordance with IEC Guide 108.
GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS FOR USE ON EQUIPMENT –
GUIDELINES FOR THE INCLUSION OF GRAPHICAL
SYMBOLS IN IEC PUBLICATIONS
1 Scope
This document provides guidelines to help ensure that the requirement in ISO/IEC Directives,
Part 2:2021, 28.6.2 is met, such that graphical symbols for use on equipment in IEC product
publications are consistent with the requirements of horizontal publications IEC 60417, and
ISO 7000. This document is intended to be used by any IEC and ISO committees to develop
graphical symbols for use on equipment for inclusion in their product publications.
This document is based on and develops upon IEC Guide 108:20062019, Clause 4 8.
For the creation of new graphical symbols for use on equipment, IEC 80416-1 and ISO 80416-2
are used applied. For the application of standardized graphical symbols for use on equipment,
IEC 80416-3 and ISO 80416-4 are used applied.
This horizontal publication is primarily intended for use by committees in the preparation of
publications in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 108.
One of the responsibilities of a committee is, wherever applicable, to make use of horizontal
publications in the preparation of its publications. The contents of this horizontal publication will
not apply unless specifically referred to or included in the relevant publications.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment, available at http://www.graphical-
symbols.info/equipment
IEC 80416-1:2008, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 1:
Creation of graphical symbols for registration
IEC 80416-3:2002, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 3:
Guidelines for the application of graphical symbols
IEC Guide 108:20062019, Guidelines for ensuring the coherency of IEC publications –
Application of horizontal standards Guidelines for ensuring the coherence of IEC publications
– Horizontal functions, horizontal publications and their application
ISO/IEC Directives Part 1:2022, Procedures for the technical work
ISO/IEC Directives Part 2:20112021, Principles and rules for the structure and drafting of
ISO and IEC documents
ISO/IEC Directives, Supplement:20112022, Procedures specific to IEC
– 8 – IEC 62648:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
ISO 3864-1, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 1: Design principles
for safety signs and safety markings
ISO 7000, Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Index and synopsis, available at
http://www.graphical-symbols.info/equipment
ISO 7010:2011, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Registered safety signs,
available at https://www.iso.org/obp
ISO 80416-2, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 2: Form and
use of arrows
ISO 80416-4, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 4: Guidelines
for the adaptation of graphical symbols for use on screens and displays (icons)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC Guide 108,
ISO/IEC Directives Part 1, ISO/IEC Directives Part 2, ISO/IEC Directives IEC Supplement, and
the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
equipment
associated assemblies intended to achieve a defined final objective
[SOURCE: IEC 80416-1:2008, 3.3]
3.2
graphical symbol
visually perceptive perceptible figure with a particular meaning used to transmit information
independently of language
[SOURCE: IEC 80416-1:2008, 3.4]
3.3
graphical symbol for use on equipment
graphical symbol for use on associated assemblies intended to achieve a defined final objective
[SOURCE: adapted from 3.3 and 3.4 of IEC 80416-1:2008]
3.4
safety related graphical symbol
graphical symbol for use on equipment that conveys a message with a relation to personal
and/or equipment safety and that is not qualified as a safety sign, e.g. because the related risk
is comparatively low
Note 1 to entry: A safety related graphical symbol may, e.g., express a prohibition (Do not . !) or a warning related
to a specific hazard (Caution! .); however it is not required to use the safety colours and shapes according to
ISO 3864-1. A safety related graphical symbol can may be standardized in IEC 60417 or ISO 7000.
3.5
safety sign
sign which gives a general safety message, obtained by a combination of colour and geometric
shape and which, by the addition of a graphical symbol, gives a particular safety message
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 68]
3.6
safety symbol
graphical symbol used together with a safety colour and safety shape to form a safety sign
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 69]
3.7
danger
signal word used to indicate an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result
in death or serious injury
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 18]
3.8
warning
signal word used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 84]
3.9
caution
signal word used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury or damage to the equipment
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 6, modified – The phrase "or damage to the equipment" has been
added.]
3.10
signal word
word that calls attention to a potentially or imminently hazardous situation
[SOURCE: ISO 17724:2003, 73]
3.11
icon
graphical symbol presented on a screen or display
Note 1 to entry: Icons can be static and interactive and change as the result of user input, or dynamic and change
as the result of equipment status.
[SOURCE: ISO 80416-4:2005, 3.3]
3.12
horizontal publication
IEC standard on fundamental principles, concepts, terminology or technical characteristics,
relevant to a number of technical committees and of crucial importance to ensure the coherence
of the corpus of standardization documents
document dealing with a subject relevant to a number of committees and of crucial importance
to ensure the coherence amongst publications
– 10 – IEC 62648:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
[SOURCE: IEC Guide 108:20062019, 3.1, modified 3.1.3]
3.13
product publication
publication covering a specific product or group of related products
Note 1 to entry In this international standard, the term product includes items such as process, service, installation
and combinations thereof, commonly known as systems.
[SOURCE: IEC Guide 108:2006, 3.2 – Note has been modified]
document covering a specific product or family of related products within the scope of a single
product committee
[SOURCE: IEC Guide 108:2019, 3.1.4]
3.14
change request
CR
task description for addition, withdrawal or change of one or more graphical symbols in
IEC 60417, submitted by an authorized person or body, which will be reviewed and updated by
secretary of the responsible committee, possibly with the support of a maintenance team, for
evaluation by the validation team VT 60417
Note 1 to entry It is possible that changes to IEC 60417 resulting from several change requests are combined, or
that a single change request is subdivided, at any stage in the process.
Note 2 to entry ISO TC 145/SC 3 operates similar procedures in respect of change requests relating to ISO 7000.
[SOURCE: Adapted from ISO/IEC Directives:2011, Supplement – Procedures specific to IEC,
Annex J]
proposal to add, to change or to withdraw one or more graphical symbols for use on equipment
in IEC 60417 SDB
Note 1 to entry: A CR shall be prepared by filling in the CR form given in the URL shown in Annex C.
Note 2 to entry: A CR should normally be linked to data describing graphical symbols by filling in the form given in
Annex C.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement:2022, SK.3.1.10, modified – The words "data
elements in an SDB" have been replaced by "graphical symbols for use on equipment in
IEC 60417 SDB", Notes 1 and 2 to entry have been replaced by different Notes 1 and 2 to entry
(see SK.4.1.3).]
3.15
validation team
permanent, “executive”, group of experts appointed by and acting as delegates on behalf of
their National Committees to execute evaluation and validation of Change Requests and to vote
for their release as part of IEC 60417
Note 1 to entry All P-members have the right and duty to appoint an own member of the team. The validation team
reports to the technical committee or subcommittee.
Note 2 to entry The described procedure in ISO/IEC Directives, Supplement – Procedures specific to IEC asks for
very short response times from the validation team members. Therefore, the National Committees should appoint
one or more deputies that can take over the task when the ordinary one for any reason is absent (travel, business,
etc.)
Note 3 to entry It is for the National Committee to decide for how long time a member should be appointed, and
also to organize the possible supporting network of experts on National level.
Note 4 to entry The secretariat manages the validation team.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Directives:2011, Supplement – Procedures specific to IEC, J.3.5, modified]
3.15
SDB team
SDB team for IEC 60417
permanent group of experts appointed by and acting as delegates on behalf of their National
Committees at the evaluation stage and validation stage
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement:2022, SK.3.3.3, modified – In accordance with
Note 1 to entry to SK.3.3.3, the name "SDB team for IEC 60417" has been added to the term.
The term "National Bodies" has been replaced by "National Committees" and Note 1 to entry
omitted.]
3.16
hard procedure
set of rules and guidelines to be followed in order for graphical symbols for use on equipment
to be standardized in IEC 60417 or in ISO 7000 and to be referred to in IEC publications, i.e.,
provisions in relevant parts of ISO/IEC Directives and IEC Guide 108
3.17
soft procedure
set of rules and guidelines to be followed in order for graphical symbols for use on equipment
to be designed, and for standardized graphical symbols for use on equipment to be applied and
be adapted as icons, i.e., provisions in relevant parts of IEC 80416-1, ISO 80416-2,
IEC 80416-3 and ISO 80416-4
4 Basic requirement for graphical symbols for use on equipment to be
included in IEC publications
Graphical symbols for use on equipment included in IEC publications shall be in accordance
with IEC 60417 and ISO 7000. To meet this requirement, the provisions given in Clause 5 of
this document shall be followed.
Annex A provides hard and soft procedures to be followed, Annex B provides requirements and
examples of the applications of graphical symbols for use on equipment, and Annex C provides
a URL for forms, together with visual images, to propose change requests to IEC 60417 SDB.
5 Principal guidelines
5.1 General
The method of referring to graphical symbols for use on equipment in IEC publications shall be
in accordance with IEC 80416-3. Regarding the designation systems of graphical symbols for
use on equipment, IEC 80416-1:2008, Annex C, shall apply.
5.2 Coherency of graphical symbols for use on equipment
All graphical symbols for use on equipment within product publications shall be coherent without
contradictions. For this purpose, the IEC and ISO corpus of graphical symbols for use on
equipment has been standardized and maintained in the horizontal publication IEC 60417, and
ISO 7000. Therefore, all committees shall consult IEC 60417 and ISO 7000 in advance of
drafting any graphical symbols for use on equipment for their own purpose to be included in
product publications.
– 12 – IEC 62648:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
5.3 Procedures to develop product publications including graphical symbols for use
on equipment
5.3.1 Committees developing product publications, dealing with graphical symbols for use
on equipment, shall incorporate IEC 60417 and ISO 7000 into their own publication by reference.
If necessary, they may specify additional details relevant to their product area in accordance
with IEC 80416-3:2002, 4.4.
Where, exceptionally, it is not practicable to reference the standards referred to above,
committees should ensure that such parts of those standards as are used are not altered when
introduced into their own publications. In this case, IEC 60417 concerned should be indicated.
5.3.2 Committees responsible for product publications which include non-standardized
graphical symbols for use on equipment should ensure that they are adapted to comply with the
design rules in IEC 80416-1 and ISO 80416-2 and requirements of IEC 60417 or ISO 7000
when the product publication is next amended or revised.
5.3.3 If a committee determines that graphical symbols in IEC 60417 and ISO 7000 are not
adequate for its intended application, it shall submit, to SC 3C or ISO TC 145/SC 3, respectively,
a formal proposal for change request together with a proposed symbol which complies with the
appropriate design principles.
If a committee responsible for a product standard determines that graphical symbols in
IEC 60417 are not suitable for the committee's intended application it shall submit a formal
proposal to SC 3C for a change request for either:
• a new graphical symbol; or,
• an amendment to an existing graphical symbol standardized IEC 60417.
5.3.4 If, after consultation between SC 3C and the committee, SC 3C considers that the
proposed new graphical symbol or proposed amendment to an existing graphical symbol are
not suitable for inclusion in IEC 60417, the committee shall request a derogation from
IEC 60417 from the SMB and give detailed reasons for the request.
If the request for a derogation is accepted by the SMB, the committee may include the new or
amended graphical symbol in the product standard and this shall be indicated in the foreword
of the standard (see ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2:2011, 6.1.3).
Relevant documents generated in the course of the development of the project should be drawn
to the attention of SC 3C responsible for IEC 60417.
5.3.5 In the case of change requests related to IEC 60417, realistic target dates shall be
agreed between SC 3C and the committee concerned.
6 Responsibilities of product committees using horizontal publication
IEC 60417
6.1 General
Product committees shall determine whether the horizontal publication IEC 60417 is relevant to
their work, and establish and maintain liaison with IEC 60417 SDB owner committee (SC 3C)
for preparing and maintaining IEC 60417 SDB.
5.3.1 to 5.3.5 are adapted from the relevant part of IEC Guide 108.
Product committees shall indicate their interest in change requests for IEC 60417 SDB to
IEC 60417 SDB owner committee (SC 3C) and are encouraged to contribute to the development
of the new CR.
6.2 Application of horizontal publication IEC 60417
Product committees, when preparing, amending, or revising publications, shall make use of
graphical symbols for use on equipment in IEC 60417 SDB in line with their intended use. They
may select from such graphical symbols for use on equipment in IEC 60417 SDB specific to
their area, but shall not modify them except as specified in 6.3 or in agreement with the
provisions given in IEC 80416-3.
Where a product committee incorporates in its product publication, an amended version of a
graphical symbol in IEC 60417 SDB in accordance with 6.3, a note in the foreword shall indicate
the changes which have been made.
If it is not practicable for a product committee to immediately align an existing publication with
the graphical symbols for use on equipment, alignment shall be carried out when the product
publication is next amended or revised.
6.3 New change requests to SDB owner committee for IEC 60417 (SC 3C)
A product committee may have a need for a graphical symbol for use on equipment that is not
adequately covered in IEC 60417 SDB. In this case, the product committee shall submit change
requests to SDB owner committee for IEC 60417 (SC 3C), including a suggested date for
release of graphical symbols.
The proposals will be considered by SDB owner committee for IEC 60417 (SC 3C), as detailed
in ISO/IEC Guide 108:2019, 7.2.
The product committee in cooperation with SDB owner committee for IEC 60417 (SC 3C) may
develop product publications including the graphical symbols for use on equipment in the
following cases:
– SDB owner committee for IEC 60417 (SC 3C) does not accept the proposal for change
request; or
– SDB owner committee for IEC 60417 (SC 3C) accepts the work but is unable to offer a
graphical symbol by a date acceptable to the product committee; or
– a product committee does not consider that the graphical symbol for use on equipment
provided by IEC 60417 SDB is suitable for incorporation in its publication and informs SDB
owner committee for IEC 60417 (SC 3C) of the reasons.
In these cases, all relevant documents generated shall be provided to SDB owner committee
for IEC 60417 (SC 3C).
– 14 – IEC 62648:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
Annex A
(normative)
Hard and soft procedures
A.1 General
As far as graphical symbols for use on equipment are concerned, every IEC (and ISO) document
drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2:20112021, shall follow the provision
in the second paragraph of 6.6.5.6 requirement in the first paragraph of ISO/IEC Directives,
Part 2:2021, 28.6.2. Namely, "Graphical symbols for use on equipment shall be in accordance
with IEC 60417 and ISO 7000".
The following two types of procedures shall be followed to meet the provision above-mentioned
requirement:
a) Hard procedures according to ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, 6.6.5.6, ISO/IEC Directives:2011,
Supplement – Procedures specific to IEC, Annex J Part 2:2021, 28.6.2, ISO/IEC Directives,
IEC Supplement:2022, Annex SK and IEC Guide 108; and
b) Soft procedures according to IEC 80416-1 and ISO 80416-2.
A.2 Hard procedures
Hard procedures are the relevant rules and guidelines which shall be followed for graphical
symbols for use on equipment to be included in IEC documents and IEC publications. Questions
and associated answers in Table A.1 provide a step-by-step approach.
Table A.1 – Step-by-step approach to the hard procedures
Step Questions Answers
1 Do you plan for graphical symbols for use on Yes. No.
equipment to be included in IEC documents?
Continue to step 2. [termination]
2 Are they found in IEC 60417 or ISO 7000? No. Yes.
Continue to step 3. Use them in accordance with
– IEC 80416-3, in the case of
normal use (including: negate,
fill, rotate);
– ISO 80416-4, in the case of
icons;
– IEC 80416-1:2008, 7.9, in the
case of negation. See also
Table B.3.
[termination]
3 Have you coordinated with No. Yes.
IEC TC 3/SC 3C (maintaining IEC 60417 SDB
Follow the soft Relevant Committees and
owner committee) or with
procedures in Validation Teams SDB team /
ISO TC 145/SC 3 (maintaining ISO 7000)?
Clause A.3. Maintenance Teams take necessary
action.
[termination]
For execution of the hard procedures, IEC 60417 SDB owner committee (IEC TC 3/SC 3C)
responsible for maintenance of IEC 60417 SDB and ISO TC 145/SC 3 responsible for
maintenance of ISO 7000 are involved. In the case of IEC 60417 SDB, VT 60417 and if required
maintenance team 60417, together with relevant committees are major players.
A.3 Soft procedures
A.3.1 General
Soft procedures are the relevant rules and guidelines which shall be followed for
– new graphical symbols for use on equipment to be designed, and
– existing graphical symbols for use on equipment in IEC 60417 SDB or ISO 7000 to be
applied and adapted as icons.
A.3.2 Soft procedures for designing new graphical symbols
In order to design new graphical symbols for use on equipment to be coordinated with the
committees responsible for maintenance of IEC 60417 SDB or ISO 7000, IEC 80416-1 and
ISO 80416-2 shall be followed.
Special considerations Requirements in ISO 7010 on the use of the equilateral triangle as a
surrounding shape shall be taken adhered to. See also examples in Annex B.
A graphical symbol element of the equilateral triangle as a sounding surrounding shape shall
only be allowed for safety related graphical symbols. Whether or not such graphical symbols
are fall within the boundary definition of a safety related graphical symbols or not shall be judged
decided by the IEC 60417 SDB manager and maintenance team 60417 with the help of relevant
committees, if necessary, in collaboration with the committee under development of developing
such graphical symbols.
A combination of a circle and a slanted bar in any colour shall not be a constituting part of
graphical symbols for use on equipment according to IEC 80416-1:2008, 7.9.4.
A unique title and description for each newly designed graphical symbol shall be prepared in
accordance with IEC 80416-1 using the form given in Annex C. The title shall simply be aname
to allow the symbol to be spoken of mentioned and discussed and shall be a noun or a noun
phrase. The description shall provide and/or define a meaning of the newly designed graphical
symbol for use on equipment. How to prepare The description of the symbol shall follow be
prepared in accordance with IEC 80416-1:2008, Annex A.
A.3.3 Soft procedures for using existing graphical symbols
For the application of existing graphical symbols for use on equipment such as when they are
being included in and/or being referenced in IEC publications, IEC 80416-3 shall be followed.
For the adaptation of existing graphical symbols for use on equipment such as for use on
screens and displays (icons), ISO 80416-4 shall be followed.
– 16 – IEC 62648:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
Annex B
(informative normative)
Requirements and examples of applications of
graphical symbols for use on equipment
B.1 General
Annex B provides guidelines requirements and examples for the inclusion of graphical symbols
in IEC publications by way of examples and illustrates the difference between graphical symbols
for use on equipment, safety symbols and safety signs. Safety signs deliver safety messages,
such as "danger", "warning" and "caution".
Some safety signs are composed of graphical symbols for use on equipment together with the
safety shape and safety colour; such graphical symbols for use on equipment are called safety
symbols.
In the creation and inclusion of new graphical symbols for use on equipment, one should be
certain that they are within the boundary they shall fall within the scope of IEC 60417 and
ISO 7000.
B.2 Examples
B.2.1 Examples of graphical symbols for use on equipment and safety signs
The graphical symbols for use on equipment shown in the left-hand column of Table B.1 have
been standardized in IEC 60417 SDB or ISO 7000 and comply with IEC 80416-1. The safety
signs in the right-hand column have been standardized in ISO 7010 and comply with ISO 3864‑1
using graphical symbols for use on equipment as safety symbols.
Table B.1 shows examples of the relationships between IEC 60417-5937 and ISO 7010-P007;
IEC 60417-5582 and ISO 7010-P026; IEC 60417-5036 and ISO 7010-W012; IEC 60417-5140
and ISO 7010-W005; and IEC 60417-5019 and ISO 7010-M005.
Table B.1 – Examples of graphical symbols for use on equipment
as safety symbols to form safety signs
Graphical symbol for use on equipment Safety sign
IEC 60417-5937 (2006-08), ISO 7010-P007 (2011-05)
modified:
No access for people with
Cardiac pacemaker; active implanted cardiac
implantable cardioverter devices.
defibrillator
On medical equipment. To prohibit people with active implanted
cardiac devices from entering a designated
To indicate a reference to an active implantable cardiovascular
area.
device, for example, cardiac pacemaker or implantable
cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
NOTE In case of application as a safety sign, the rules
according to ISO 3864-1 shall be adhered to.
[SOURCE: IEC 60417-5937, modified - The preamble "Notes" is
deleted and the remaining text is placed as an additional part of
the description.]
Graphical symbol for use on equipment Safety sign
IEC 60417-5582 (2002-10): ISO 7010-P026 (2011-05)
Suitable for use in a bath or Do not use this device in a
shower bathtub, shower or
water-filled reservoir.
To identify electrical appliances, for example wet shavers, To prohibit the use of unsuitable electrical
which are suitable for use in a bath or shower. equipment in or near water.
NOTE See also the symbol IEC 60417-5574.
IEC 60417-5036 (2002-10), ISO 7010-W012 (2011-05)
modified:
Warning; Electricity
Dangerous voltage
To indicate hazards arising from dangerous voltages. To warn of electricity.
NOTE In case of application in a warning sign the rules
according to ISO 3864 shall be adhered to.
[SOURCE: IEC 60417-5036, modified - The preamble "Notes" is
deleted and the remaining text is placed as an additional part of
the description.]
IEC 60417-5140 (2003-04), ISO 7010-W005 (2011-05)
modified:
Warning; Non-ionizing
Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation
radiation
To indicate generally elevated, potentially hazardous, levels of To warn of non-ionizing radiation.
non-ionizing radiation, or to indicate equipment or systems e.g.
in the medical electrical area that include RF transmitters or
that intentionally apply RF electromagnetic energy for diagnosis
or treatment.
NOTE In case of application in a warning sign the rules
according to ISO 3864 shall be adhered to.
[SOURCE: IEC 60417-5140, modified - The preamble "Notes" is
deleted and the remaining text is placed as an additional part of
the description.]
IEC 60417-5019 (2006-08): ISO 7010-M005 (2011-05)
Protective earth; protective Connect an earth terminal
ground to the ground
To identify any terminal which is intended for connection to an To signify that an earth terminal must be
external conductor for protection against electric shock in case connected.
of a fault, or the terminal of a protective earth (ground)
electrode.
Safety signs shall be used only for instructions which are related to the safety and health of
people.
All normal Graphical symbols for use on equipment have been are standardized in IEC 60417
or SDB and safety signs are standardized in ISO 7000 for references to and inclusion in IEC
publications, if required, in accordance with IEC 80416-3. All safety signs have been are
standardized in ISO 7010.
– 18 – IEC 62648:2022 RLV © IEC 2022
B.2.2 Examples of safety related graphical symbols for use on equipment and
safety signs
Some graphical symbols for use on equipment standardized in IEC 60417 SDB relating to safety
aspects (safety related graphical symbols) have been used as safety symbols to compose
safety signs, which were are standardized in ISO 7010 with a special shape and colour.
An example of a safety related graphical symbol for use on equipment to convey the message
of "Caution" standardized in IEC 60417 SDB is shown in the left-hand column of Table B.2. The
similar shaped graphical symbol in the right-hand column of Table B.2 has been standardized
in ISO 7010 to convey the message of "Warning".
All safety related graphical symbols for
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Frequently Asked Questions
IEC 62648:2022 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Graphical symbols for use on equipment - Guidelines for the inclusion of graphical symbols in IEC publications". This standard covers: IEC 62648:2022 document provides guidelines to help ensure that the requirement in ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2:2021, 28.6.2 is met, such that graphical symbols for use on equipment in IEC product publications are consistent with the requirements of horizontal publications IEC 60417, and ISO 7000. This document is intended to be used by any IEC and ISO committees to develop graphical symbols for use on equipment for inclusion in their product publications. This document is based on and develops upon IEC Guide 108:2019, Clause 8. For the creation of new graphical symbols for use on equipment, IEC 80416-1 and ISO 80416 2 are applied. For the application of standardized graphical symbols for use on equipment, IEC 80416-3 and ISO 80416-4 are applied. This horizontal publication is primarily intended for use by committees in the preparation of publications in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 108. One of the responsibilities of a committee is, wherever applicable, to make use of horizontal publications in the preparation of its publications. The contents of this horizontal publication will not apply unless specifically referred to or included in the relevant publications. IEC 62648:2022 cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012 and Amendment 1:2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) new terms and definitions in IEC Guide 108 have been incorporated; b) the designation "IEC 60417 SDB" has been introduced following the publication of IEC Supplement:2022, Annex SK; c) Subclause 6.3 has been adapted in line with IEC Guide 108:2019, Clause 8.
IEC 62648:2022 document provides guidelines to help ensure that the requirement in ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2:2021, 28.6.2 is met, such that graphical symbols for use on equipment in IEC product publications are consistent with the requirements of horizontal publications IEC 60417, and ISO 7000. This document is intended to be used by any IEC and ISO committees to develop graphical symbols for use on equipment for inclusion in their product publications. This document is based on and develops upon IEC Guide 108:2019, Clause 8. For the creation of new graphical symbols for use on equipment, IEC 80416-1 and ISO 80416 2 are applied. For the application of standardized graphical symbols for use on equipment, IEC 80416-3 and ISO 80416-4 are applied. This horizontal publication is primarily intended for use by committees in the preparation of publications in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 108. One of the responsibilities of a committee is, wherever applicable, to make use of horizontal publications in the preparation of its publications. The contents of this horizontal publication will not apply unless specifically referred to or included in the relevant publications. IEC 62648:2022 cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012 and Amendment 1:2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) new terms and definitions in IEC Guide 108 have been incorporated; b) the designation "IEC 60417 SDB" has been introduced following the publication of IEC Supplement:2022, Annex SK; c) Subclause 6.3 has been adapted in line with IEC Guide 108:2019, Clause 8.
IEC 62648:2022 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 01.080.40 - Graphical symbols for use on electrical and electronics engineering drawings, diagrams, charts and in relevant technical product documentation. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
IEC 62648:2022 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC 62648:2012, IEC 62648:2012/AMD1:2015. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
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