This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Graphical symbols for diagrams

What is the standard that replaces IEC 60617 "Graphical symbols for diagrams" (withdrawn 1997)?


I can find the 'active' IEC 60617 "DataBase Snapshot" (2nd March 2015) for use on equipment but not a new revision of the standard.


Thanks


Rob




  • Welcome to the IEC 60617 database



    IEC 60617 contains graphical symbols for use in electrotechnical diagrams. All the parts (Ed. 2 or 3) of the previously published IEC 60617 have been incorporated into this database that currently includes some 1900 symbols. The database is the official source of IEC 60617.



    Subscriptions and End-User Restrictions



    Access to the database is on a subscription basis. Subscriptions can be purchased through the IEC National Committees, National Committee-appointed Sales Outlets, or directly from the IEC Webstore (simply search for IEC 60617). All subscriptions are subject to the customer agreeing to the IEC Webstore Product(s) Licence Agreement


    It appears that only database is available on subscription basis.


    Chris Chew






  • Thank you Chris, a pricey tome!
  • Yes, this has been the case for nearly 20 years, since the standard was "withdrawn".


    It just leads to the question as to what is the size / turnover of an organisation before the subscription becomes feasible for the amount of use it will get (when taken into account with the other standards etc. that an organisation needs to maintain), and hence an interesting "philosophical" discussion as to whether standardisation becomes a barrier to innovation and business start-ups?
  • Good point Graham.
  • So you can't even buy copies of standards any more - you have to rent them.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Yep, and it's the perfect business model if you ask the IET, apparently their customers have asked for it!


    Certainly not me.


    Their electronic version of BS7671 & associated guidance is now on a subscription only basis.


    Sorry a little off topic from the symbols, but close enough to the route the thread has gone with standards subscription really.

  • You can still buy a paper version of the latest BS 7671. This is not possible for any part of the former IEC 60617 post 1999 really - well at least from BSI.


    The snapshots are available to download in PDF from IEC if you have a subscribtion: not sure if you can buy the ones you need separately?
  • I wondered what happened to BS EN 60617 symbols - can't find them anywhere

    However, why bother when most Architects seem to make their own up.....
  • We were just taliking about that the other day, is it so important to use the 'correct' symbol?  On the whole a symbol is normally referenced to a component specification.
  • Intereesting question - the "right symbol".


    BS 7671 (as with the harmonised and international standards it's currently aligned with, HD60364-series and IEC 60364-series) require IEC60617 symbols on diagrams for electrical installations.


    If we have safety-related systems, or electrical installations where isolation is required, and there's some confusion by operating and maintenance engineers about a particular symbol, then the results could be catastrophic. Worse, some organisations have their own standards, which may not align with the BS, EU or international standards ... a new member of staff, or a supplier or designer for a modification or extension to the installation or system may well have a problem reading the diagrams properly.


    So, standardisation of symbols for diagrams really is a safety requirement for many installations.



    However, I'm sure we've all been involved in large projects where the CAD standard for the project doesn't fully comply - with either the standards or the O&M organisation's own standard !!


    There's another topic for discussion here - the use of the socket outlet symbols. Has anyone else noticed that they are always used tincorrectly on archtectural plan drawings (if you think how it appears in a circuit diagram, as a receptacle, you'll see it's not really acceptable to make it an "ANSI NAND Gate", and the open part of the box or "cup" should point away from the wall) ... so much for a standard !!