The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 81346, also known as "Industrial automation and control systems - Part 1: General requirements," provides a framework for the design, implementation, and operation of industrial automation and control systems (IACS). This review aims to provide an overview of the standard, its significance, and benefits, as well as guide users on how to download and utilize the standard effectively.
At its heart, IEC 81346 provides a methodology for creating reference designations—the alphanumeric codes used to identify objects within a system, such as =KAN+AL1-M1. Unlike its predecessor standards, which often focused on the type of component (e.g., a motor or a sensor), IEC 81346 shifts the focus to the function of that component within the system. This is achieved through a multi-faceted view of technical objects, categorizing them by three primary aspects: function, product, and location. iec 81346, download