First published in 1996, IEC 61346-1 (formerly known as IEC 1346-1) provides a framework for identifying objects within a system by correlating information across various documents and physical products. Its goal is to create a "common language" that allows different engineering disciplines—such as electrical, mechanical, and civil—to collaborate using a unified identification method. Key Concepts and Principles
Focuses on how the object is constructed or what physical product serves the purpose.
If you are designing a new system from scratch, do not base your structural tags on IEC 61346-1. Ensure your engineering documentation guidelines specify ISO/IEC 81346:2019 (or the latest version relevant to your industry) to maintain regulatory compliance and ensure future interoperability. iec 61346-1 pdf
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This is for the factory floor, written 15 years before the Semantic Web took off. First published in 1996, IEC 61346-1 (formerly known
A1 represents a specific functional group (e.g., a control system loop). - shifts the view to a product-oriented aspect.
Switching of high-power circuits (e.g., power circuit breakers, disconnectors). If you are designing a new system from
Because IEC 61346-1 is obsolete, you should refer to the updated series for new projects: IEC 81346-1:2022
By linking these prefixes, engineers can build a highly specific data string for a single component. For example, the designation =A1-K1+C2 tells you exactly what the component does ( =A1 ), what kind of hardware it is ( -K1 ), and where to find it ( +C2 ). Tree Structures and Hierarchies
In large-scale industrial engineering, managing thousands of components across electrical, mechanical, and software domains requires a unified language. ("Industrial systems, installations and equipment and industrial products — Structuring principles and reference designations — Part 1: Basic rules") established the foundational framework for this language.
Provides a logical framework easily processed by modern CAD and CAE software databases. Core Principles of IEC 61346-1