Frequently Asked Questions
Types of publications
Standards
Standards are publications resulting from international consensus on a particular area of technology with the
prime objective of promoting international trade. Consensus is obtained by following a rigorous process
required for the approval and publication of International Standards.
Technical Specifications (TS)
Technical specifications approach International Standards in terms of detail and completeness, but have not
yet passed fully through the consensus process either because consensus has not been reached or because
standardizing is seen to be premature.
Technical Reports (TR)
Technical reports contain information of a kind different from that which would normally be published in an
International Standard, for example data obtained from surveys or information on the "state of the art" of a
particular area of technology.
Industry Technical Agreements (ITAs)
ITAs (Industry Technical Agreements) offer a platform for reaching technical agreements among key industry
players in time-critical market sectors. ITAs are intended for use by industry where business and trade in
high-technology products and services do not need international consensus standards at market launch.
They deliver a product in months rather than years.
IEC-PAS
Publicly available specifications or IEC-PAS, come from within the IEC technical committee structure. The
objective of IEC-PAS is to speed up standardizing in areas of rapidly developing technology. This process
gets information to market quickly (since PAS are de facto standards) and transforms PAS into de jure
International Standards when they are approved and accepted by the international community. PAS are
usually created by consortia and rapidly gain wide acceptance in the global market.
Guides
Guides are non-normative publications which give information and advice on matters relating to international
standardization and conformity assessment activities.
Technology Trend Assessments (TTAs)
TTAs cover a stage between theoretical work and standardization. They are technical publications which
provide early information on new technologies to help anticipate future standardization requirements.
IEC reference numbering system
The IEC publication numbering system
As from 1997 all new IEC publications and parts, as well as new editions, revisions and amendments to
existing publications are being issued with a designation in the 60000 series. It is now necessary to add
60000 to the existing base number.
Example: IEC 455-3-2 is now referenced as IEC 60455-3-2
The IEC reference number
An IEC reference number for a publication is composed of a header plus three elements: 1) the header, 2)
the publication number, 3) the part number and 4) the section number.
Amendments
An amendment alters and/or adds to previously agreed technical provisions in an existing International
Standard.
Consolidated editions
The IEC publishes consolidated editions of its publications with all the amendments and corrigenda included
with the base document.
• Edition 1.0 is a base document without any amendments.
• Edition 1.1 is the base 1.0 edition consolidated with one amendment.
• Edition 1.2 is the base 1.0 edition consolidated with two amendments.
• Edition 2.0 is the second edition of a base document. This may include new information combined as well
as amendments from edition 1.x.
• Edition 2.1 is the second edition consolidated with one amendment.
Corrigenda
A technical corrigendum is issued to correct either:
• a technical error or ambiguity in an International Standard, a Technical Specification, a Publicly Available
Specification or a Technical Report, inadvertently introduced either in drafting or in printing and which
could lead to incorrect or unsafe application of the publication, or
• information that has become outdated since publication, provided that the modification has no effect on
the technical normative elements of the standard.
How can I check if a publication has a Corrigendum?
All corrigenda are listed on the IEC's web site via the link available from the Search for Publications page of
this Catalogue.
How can I obtain Corrigenda?
All corrigenda are available for free download on our web site.
If you wish to get a paper copy send an email to
[email protected] mentioning your contact details (name, address,
corrigenda reference and quantity).
Interpretation sheets
An interpretation sheet provides a quick formal explanation to an urgent request by a user of a standard
(testing laboratory, manufacturer, etc.). Changes of requirements or test procedures in a standard by means
of an interpretation sheet shall be avoided. It is recognized that it is sometimes difficult to define what is a
“matter of interpretation” for a given standard.
All interpretation sheets are available for free download on our web site.
If you wish to get a paper copy send an email to [email protected] mentioning your contact details (name, address,
interpretation sheet reference and quantity).
Publication formats
IEC Publications are available either in paper, electronic or database format. Publications having over 250
pages are available on CD-ROM instead of paper.
Please find below all the different formats available.
Adobe Acrobat PDF Word File hard-copy Database
(full text) version
Adobe Acrobat PDF Zip File CD-ROM
(scanned image)
Database standards
The IEC has developed database format publications that replace the hard copy and electronic versions with
online database that will be continually updated as new information is published.
• IEC 60617 contains graphical symbols for use in electrotechnical diagrams. The following areas are
covered in the database: Conductors and connecting devices; Basic passive components;
Semiconductors and electron tubes; Production and conversion of electrical energy Switchgear,
controlgear and protective devices; Measuring instruments, lamps and signalling devices;
Telecommunications transmission, switching and peripheral equipment; Architectural and
topographical installation plans and diagrams. The database includes some 1’800 symbols.
• IEC 60417 contains graphical symbols for use on equipment. They exist for manufacturers in the
field of electronic consumer goods and covers symbols used on equipment such as televisions,
video cameras and DVD players. The database includes some 1’000 symbols.
• IEC 60417 / ISO 7000 - Graphical symbols for use on equipment. Those graphical symbols are used
to identify equipment or a part of equipment, indicate functional states, designate connections,
provide information on packaging or for the operation of the equipment. The database includes
some 3’500 symbols.
• IEC 60061 - Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of interchangeability and
safety. Contains the recommendations of the IEC in regard to lamp caps and holders in general use,
together with relevant gauges, with the object of securing international interchangeability. The
standard consists of four parts: Part 1: Lamp caps Part 2: Lampholders Part 3: Gauges Part 4:
Guidelines and general information There are some 750 standard sheets in PDF format that can be
accessed individually from the various indexes and through the search facility.
Languages
IEC publications are bilingual (English/French) or monolingual, some versions are derived (en_d and fr_d)
from the bilingual publication by deleting the French-language or English-language pages as appropriate.
Some publications are also available in Spanish or Russian.
Il est possible d'effectuer des recherches utilisant des mots-clés en français sur la page. De plus en
sélectionnant "Français" les résultats de recherche donnent, quand ils sont disponibles, les titres et résumés
en français.
Search for Publications
The IEC Electronic Catalogue searches the IEC's full publication databases which includes CISPR, IEC,
ISO/IEC, IECEE, IECQ and IECEx publications. This standalone catalogue enables you to check up on
publications off-line. You can search for publications by:
• Text (primary bibliographical information - use text or numbers);
• Reference Number (Publication number);
• Committee (TC/SC);
• ICS code (subject index);
• Date of publication.
Search without a reference number
The Search for Publications offers text search facilities, where you can type in key words and obtain a list of
corresponding publications.
, both keywords must occur in the record
+ one of the keywords must occur in the record
- the keyword must not occur in the record
The keyword itself can contain the jokers "?" and "*" to represent any single character or any substring
respectively.
Examples
Database finds Database, database, dataBase, ...
Database* finds database, Databases, DatabaseDriver, ...
Data?ase finds Database, dataCase, ...
Database, Driver record must contain Database and Driver
Database + Driver record must contain either Database or Driver or both
Database - Driver record must contain Database but not Driver
Once you have located a publication(s), simply add it to your basket for future reference or to use in an
order. You may order publications from the IEC Web Store, your local National Committee, IEC Central
Office, or other approved sales outlets.
Search with a reference number
If you already know the IEC reference number of the publication, enter the number in the following manner:
The reference number must be separated into
• header (IEC, IEC Guide, ISO/IEC, ISO/IEC Guide, IECEE, IECQ, etc.),
• publication number,
• part number and
• section number.
Example: IEC 60455-3-2:
Header - IEC
Publication number - 60455
Part - 3
Section - 2
Search by Technical or Subcommittees
A full list of the IEC's technical and subcommittees is available from the link on the Search for Publications
page of the Catalogue. Double clicking on a TC/SC on this list will generate you a list of publications
produced by that particular TC/SC.
Search using ICS codes
What is an ICS code?
ICS codes serve as a structure for catalogues of international, regional and national standards and other
normative documents, and as a basis for standing-order systems. ICS stands for International Classification
for Standards. The ICS is a hierarchical classification which consists of three levels.
How can I search by ICS code?
If you know the ICS code, enter the code in the field provided in the Search for Publications search facility
and press return or the "submit" button. A list of corresponding publication(s) will appear together with any
amendments.
How can I find the right ICS code?
If you do not know the appropriate ICS code, consult the list of ICS codes used by the. This list corresponds
to the entire ICS code system. Double click on the field of activity which most closely matches the subject
your are interested in. A list of all publication(s) will appear together with any amendments.
How can I keep information from my searches?
Shopping basket
The IEC Electronic Catalogue enables you to search the IEC database by a variety of criteria. Once you
have found a publication, you may keep the information by adding the publication to your basket. You can
then conduct more searches. Use the save function to generate a text file which can then be used in
correspondence when ordering your publication(s).
Keeping my Catalogue up-to-date
The Catalogue Feeder
By using the "Update my Catalogue" you will be connected to the IEC's Catalogue Feeder where your IEC
database will be updated with new information. The process is entirely automatic and will only take a few
minutes. You will require Internet access to perform the update. You have to choice to update your catalogue
via an http or ftp connection. Click on the relevant button to launch the update process. The update files will
be available from the first working day following the 1st and 15th of each calendar month.
How does the standard watch (favourites) function work?
From the Search results page you can add any publication of interest to you in the favourites list.
Every time that you update the database (via HTTP or FTP connection) you will be notified if any of the
publication selected has been modified. The following color code are used:
Purple: this is a new publication
Orange: the publication has been withdrawn
Blue: the publication has been consolidated
Yellow: the publication has been replaced, click on the replaced by button to add the replacement in your list
Most recent publications
A link from the "Search for Publications" page will take you to the IEC web site and a list of the publications
issued in the last 3 months.
Finding Replaced / Withdrawn publications
Use the hyperlink for withdrawn/replaced publications on the Search for Publications page and you will get a
complete list of all publications from the IEC's web site.
Validity
Please take a moment to repeat the search for your publication on the IEC web site. This facility gives a
"Maintenance result date (MRD)" for some publications. The contents of the publications will remain
unchanged until the MRD. At this date, the publication will be either reconfirmed, withdrawn, replaced by a
revised edition or amended. If there is a revision or amendment on-going then this is given under the
publication and entitled "Work in progress".
Work in progress
On the Project files and work programmes page you can use one of the following search methods:
• Project / Publication:
Enter the project or publication number and, optionally, the part and section numbers. The result will be a
list of all corresponding projects
• Document:
If you have a working document and you would like to know what has become of it, enter the committee
reference and document number.
• Committee:
Enter the committee number. The result will be a list of all the projects assigned to that committee.
• Text search:
Type in keywords to find related projects.
On all of the above search results pages you can click on the project hyperlinks for a list of target dates.
Click on the links for the codes to see what they mean.
Access to working documents?
Nearly all IEC working documents are now available electronically. To have access to them you will need a
user-id and password, as well as appropriate authorization. If you are a committee officer (chairman or
secretary), contact the Central Office. Others should contact their National Committees in order to obtain
documents.
We cannot sell or send out working documents to the general public because they are still in the project
stage. Only agreed and published standards are available for sale in the IEC Web Store.
Where can I buy IEC Publications?
All publications listed in the IEC Electronic Catalogue are available from your local National Committee, the
IEC Web Store or IEC Central Office, and other approved sales outlets. A complete listing of sales outlets is
available from the link "Where to buy Publications".
If you have located the publication(s) you wish to order, please go the IEC Web Store or contact your local
National Committee or Sales Outlet or simply email the IEC Central Office at [email protected] or send a fax
addressed to Customer Service at: +41 22 919 03 00.
Please make sure you include:
• The complete reference number of the publication(s) you wish to order.
• The media type required (paper, pdf, CD-ROM, etc.).
• Payment details and shipping address.
Networking IEC publications
You can network the IEC publications you order to your colleagues for as little as an additional 30% of the
original publication price. When "checking out" from the IEC Web Store with your order, simply specify the
number of users you would like to network the publications to - the calculation is then made for you. To those
customers who have already purchased electronic publications and would like to network them, please
contact our Customer Service Centre who will be happy to arrange for an upgrade.
Payment
Pricing
All Prices quoted are in Swiss francs (CHF) and are listed in our Web Store and the Publications and work in
progress on-line catalogue.
To convert to your local currency as guide you can use The Universal Currency Converter(tm).
Methods of Payment
• Credit cards (visa, mastercard, american express)
• Bank transfer to: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
Account No: 240-C0800907.0
Bank: UBS
Address: 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
Swift No. UBSWCHZH80A - IBAN CH57 0024 0240 C080 0907 0
• Eurocheque in Swiss Francs - minimum order CHF 500.-
• Cheque in American Dollars with our name and address on the cheque - minimum order CHF 500.-
Attention: Before sending your payment, please contact the Customer Service Centre so that we can issue a
pro-forma invoice to identify your payment when it arrives.
Quotation
For clients who are not able to pay by credit card, they can pay by a bank transfer, but we need to be able to
identify the payments so that we can process the orders as quickly as possible, for this we need to send a
pro-forma invoice with a number which clients then use with their bank transfer.
Client can also place their order through the Web Store and then choose the pro forma option.
Corporate account
IEC has provided this facility for our clients who do not wish to pay by credit card but still want to enjoy all
that Web Store has to offer. To open an account, clients should transfer a minimum of CHF 1’500.- to their
account at the IEC, they will then be provided with a password of their choice, which enables them to place
orders through web store, the costs of their orders are automatically debited from their account.
Confidentiality
Please note that all credit card information is used only to fulfil your order and is not shared with anyone. If
you return to order publications in the future, you will be asked to give your credit card information again.
All other personal information is treated in the strictest confidence in accordance with Swiss data protection
laws.
Delivery and charges for paper publications
The IEC Customer Service Centre ships within one working day of receiving payment. All orders will be sent
by UPS unless otherwise specified.
UPS outside of Switzerland
20% of the total order value, with a minimum charge of CHF 40.- and a maximum charge of CHF 400.- The
IEC guarantees all orders sent by UPS against loss.
Economy mail outside of Switzerland
10% of the total order value, with a minimum charge of CHF 20.- and a maximum charge of CHF 400.- The
IEC assumes no responsibility against loss of orders sent by Economy Mail.
Shipping inside of Switzerland
5% of the total price, with a minimum charge of CHF 10.- and a maximum charge of CHF 50.-
Attention: Additional Import Custom duties may be charged by your country and are your responsibility. The
IEC will not accept returns for refusal to pay customs charges.
Registered Subscribers Scheme
You can Subscribe to IEC's Registered subscriber scheme for an annual fee of CHF 35’000.- and receive all
newly published IEC standards.
Our calculations show that with the subscription scheme you can save up 40% on the actual cost of newly
released publications over the course of a year. The publications are sent out at the end of every month, the
shipping costs are included in the subscription fee.
If you wish to subscribe to this scheme please: send an email to: [email protected] or send a fax addressed to
Customer Service at: +41 22 919 03 00 including your contact details.
Keep informed about new publications
Just Published
Keep updated on all new IEC publications. Just Published, IEC’s email service delivered free of charge to
readers twice a month, details all new publications and explains their relevance in the market, thus providing
more focused and value-added information. To subscribe to this electronic service, please send click here.
Free – twice a month
Technical inquiries
Technical Inquiries for a publication concerning a particular country should be addressed to the National
Committee of that country, as IEC Standards are International. The countries which adopt them can modify
these Standards for National use.
If you need further information on interpretation of a publication, please contact Customer Service. Your
inquiry will be forwarded to the Technical officer in charge of the publication.
Certification
The IECEE CB Scheme is the world's first truly international system for acceptance of test reports dealing
with the safety of electrical and electronic products. It is a multilateral agreement among participating
countries and certification organizations. A manufacturer utilizing a CB test report issued by one of these
organizations can obtain national certification in all other member countries of the CB Scheme.
Members
IEC membership is open only to countries and not to regional organizations, companies or individuals. An
IEC member is called a National Committee and each NC represents its nation's electrotechnical interests in
IEC management and standardization work.
Click here to see the complete list of IEC members.
How can I become a member of the IEC?
IEC membership is open only to countries and not to regional organizations, companies or individuals. If you
wish to participate in the IEC, please contact your local National Committee or the IEC Central Office.
European CENELEC standards
Some 90% of all European CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) standards
are identical or very closely based on IEC international standards. If you are interested in a specific EN
reference you should visit the CENELEC web site.
Why do International Standards help international trade?
The IEC is one of the bodies recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and entrusted by it for
monitoring the national and regional organizations agreeing to use the IEC’s International Standards as the
basis for national or regional standards as part of the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.
More complete FAQ is available from IEC web site
