oSIST prEN IEC 60073:2026

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 30-Oct-2026
• ICS: 01.070 - Colour coding
• ICS: 13.110 - Safety of machinery
• ICS: 29.020 - Electrical engineering in general
• Technical Committee: EDO - Documentation and graphical symbols
• Current Stage: 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 18-Aug-2026
• Due Date: 05-Jan-2027
• Ref Project: prEN IEC 60073:2026 - Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification - Coding principles for indicators and actuators

• Revises: SIST EN 60073:2003 - Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification - Coding principles for indicators and actuators
• Effective Date: 11-Jun-2024

Overview

oSIST prEN IEC 60073:2026 is the draft international standard titled "Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification - Coding principles for indicators and actuators". Developed by IEC Technical Committee 3 and harmonized by CENELEC (CLC), this standard establishes foundational rules for the effective and safe design of human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in industrial and operational environments. It covers coding principles necessary for visual, acoustic, and tactile indicators and actuators to ensure consistent, unambiguous communication between people and machinery.

With applications spanning electrical engineering, safety of machinery, and industrial automation, oSIST prEN IEC 60073:2026 is positioned as a Basic Safety Publication, guiding industry sectors on how to employ intuitive and universally understood coding systems. The standard harmonizes with key documents such as IEC Guide 104 and ISO/IEC Guide 51, emphasizing compatibility, clarity, and ergonomic principles.

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Key Topics

• Coding Principles:
  The standard sets out systematic methods for coding information that is communicated through indicators and actuators. The principles address:

  • Visual signals (color, shape, position, and flashing)
  • Acoustic signals (type of sound, tone, patterns)
  • Tactile/haptic signals (shape, force, vibration, position)

• Color Coding:
  Defined specific meanings for colors associated with safety and operating status. For example:

  • Red: Danger, emergency, or fault
  • Yellow: Caution or abnormal condition
  • Green: Safe, normal operation
  • Blue: Mandatory action These color codes must be distinguishable and consistently applied.

• Shape & Position Coding:
  Supplementary or alternative coding uses clearly defined shapes and consistent positions to enhance information clarity, especially where color vision may be impaired.

• Acoustic Signals:
  Guidelines for audible signals ensure immediate recognition of hazards or process states when visual cues are not enough. Signals are designed to be distinct in pitch, pattern, and duration according to the urgency of the information.

• Tactile Information:
  Tactile signals, such as vibrations or specific forms, can provide redundant or supplementary warnings, particularly for skilled users in environments where visual or audible alerts may not be effective.

• Application Requirements:
  The standard applies from basic scenarios (single indicator lamps, push-buttons, LEDs) to complex control panels and video display terminals, ensuring scalability and flexibility across industries.

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Applications

oSIST prEN IEC 60073:2026 is critical for professionals involved in the design, operation, and maintenance of control systems. It supports:

• Industrial Automation:
  Ensures that operators can quickly and correctly interpret indicators and operate actuators, even in high-risk environments.

• Machinery and Equipment Safety:
  Reduces human error and enhances response times to hazards via standardized coding principles.

• Process Control Rooms:
  Promotes ergonomic and clear interfaces in complex monitoring systems, aiding in incident prevention.

• Electrical and Electronic Installations:
  Facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements for marking and identification, aiding both safety and maintenance.

• User Interface Design:
  Provides a universal framework for HMIs in diverse sectors, promoting usability and accessibility.

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Related Standards

For effective implementation, this standard references and aligns with several key international standards, including:

• IEC Guide 104: Preparation of safety publications and use of basic safety publications
• ISO/IEC Guide 51: Safety aspects - Guidelines for inclusion in standards
• ISO 3864: Safety colors and safety signs
• IEC 60417 & ISO 7000: Graphical symbols for use on equipment
• IEC 60447: Man-machine interface - Actuating principles
• ISO 8201: Acoustics - Audible emergency evacuation signal
• ISO 11429: Ergonomics - System of auditory and visual danger and information signals

By referencing these, oSIST prEN IEC 60073:2026 ensures a harmonized and comprehensive approach for global use in marking, identification, and man-machine interface design.

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Keywords: IEC 60073:2026, man-machine interface, HMI, coding principles, indicators, actuators, safety marking, color coding, acoustic signals, tactile signals, control panel design, industrial automation, safety standards.