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 is available as IEC 62648:2022 RLV which contains the International Standard and its Redline version, showing all changes of the technical content compared to the previous edition.
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.
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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
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 have
committee, …). It also gives information on projects, replaced access to up to date content tailored to your needs.
and withdrawn publications.
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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 once
and French, with equivalent terms in 19 additional languages.
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
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 publ
...
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
...
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