Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) , this standard provides a uniform framework to evaluate both analogue and digital instruments. By isolating environmental variables, it serves as the baseline for calculating hardware accuracy, linearity, hysteresis, and repeatability before exposing devices to harsh industrial environments. Structure of the IEC 61298 Series
Pressure transmitters, RTDs, thermocouples, electromagnetic flowmeters
to analyze how a device reacts to time-dependent signal changes. Functional Characteristics : Covers technical hardware evaluations such as electrical input resistance
This standard is applicable to both analog and digital devices that have defined input/output relationships and transfer functions. It provides a standardized framework that manufacturers, testing laboratories, and quality controllers can use to verify that equipment meets its claimed performance specifications. Scope and Applicability
For manufacturers, IEC 61298-2 compliance serves as a benchmark for product data sheets and quality assurance. For end-users in industries like chemical processing or energy generation, it provides an objective basis for comparing competitive products and ensuring that critical control components meet the necessary precision standards for safe operation. iec 612982
The primary purpose of Part 2 is to create a controlled testing baseline. Industrial devices operate in unpredictable field environments. To understand their true capabilities, manufacturers must eliminate external variables during initial testing. Eliminating Environmental Variables
The standard outlines specific methods to measure critical performance "characters," such as:
The input signal is increased in uniform, progressive steps (typically at
– Establishes terminology, general requirements, and structural guidelines for testing. For end-users in industries like chemical processing or
Under reference conditions, the following key metrics are calculated:
If you need to dive deeper into this technical framework, you can review regional adaptations like the GOST R IEC 61298-2 standard, or acquire the latest publication updates directly from the official IEC Webstore.
Stability of the device over extended periods under reference conditions. The IEC 61298 Series Hierarchy
: Covers accuracy-related factors including dead band, hysteresis, non-linearity, and repeatability. cutting project delays.
The standard provides a unified methodology for executing and reporting performance tests under highly controlled laboratory conditions (known as reference conditions). By stripping away environmental noise, the data generated reveals the instrument's intrinsic behavioral characteristics, distinct from field-induced variations. Device Applicability
But Vendor B's data sheet includes statements like: "Tested according to IEC 61298-1 through -5. Reference accuracy: ±0.1% at 20°C. Additional temperature error: ±0.02% per 10°C. Long-term drift: 0.1% per year." Vendor A simply says "high accuracy."
This allows realistic assessment of device stability in harsh industrial environments.
Part 4 provides :
: Minimizes calibration errors during plant commissioning, cutting project delays.