HD 546.4 S1:1992

Overview

HD 546.4 S1:1992 (adopted as SIST HD 546.4 S1:1997) - published by CLC and identical with IEC 870-4:1990 - defines the performance requirements for telecontrol equipment and systems. The standard addresses the measurable characteristics that influence telecontrol and telemetering system behaviour, relates those characteristics to application and processing functions, and provides rules for assessing and specifying performance. Where feasible, it assigns performance classes for the properties covered.

Keywords: telecontrol equipment, telecontrol systems, performance requirements, telemetering, IEC 870-4, performance classes.

Key Topics

• Performance characteristics: Identifies the properties of telecontrol systems that affect overall performance (e.g., responsiveness, reliability, accuracy) and links them to functional roles in processing and control.
• Assessment and specification rules: Provides a framework for how to assess, specify and document performance requirements in procurement and design.
• Performance classes: Establishes class levels for properties where practical, enabling consistent specification and comparison between equipment and systems.
• Application relationship: Explains how performance requirements depend on the intended application (for example, different requirements for routine monitoring versus protective control).
• Scope and classification: Organises telecontrol/telemetering aspects under ICS 33.200 (remote control and telemetering).

Applications

• Defining performance criteria for SCADA and telecontrol systems used in power utilities, water and wastewater networks, transport infrastructure, and industrial automation.
• Creating procurement specifications and acceptance tests for telecontrol equipment and system components.
• Guiding system architects and integrators to match equipment capabilities with application-level processing and control functions.
• Supporting regulatory or interoperability assessments where documented performance classes are required.

Who uses this standard

• System designers and architects specifying telecontrol functions
• Manufacturers and vendors of telecontrol equipment and telemetering devices
• Test and commissioning engineers developing acceptance criteria
• Utilities and infrastructure operators writing procurement and SLA documents
• Standards bodies and compliance assessors aligning national/adopted standards (e.g., SIST adoption)

Related standards

• IEC 870 series (telecontrol and telemetering standards) - HD 546.4 S1:1992 is identical to IEC 870-4:1990.
• National adoptions and translations (for example, SIST HD 546.4 S1:1997 in Slovenia).

This standard is essential for anyone specifying or evaluating telecontrol equipment where consistent, documented performance criteria and classes are required to ensure reliable remote control and telemetering operation.