Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification - Identification of equipment terminals, conductor terminations and conductors

Grund- und Sicherheitsregeln für die Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle - Kennzeichnung von Anschlüssen elektrischer Betriebsmittel, angeschlossenen Leiterenden und Leitern

Principes fondamentaux et de sécurité pour les interfaces homme-machine, le marquage et l’identification - Identification des bornes de matériels, des extrémités de conducteurs et des conducteurs

Osnovna in varnostna načela za vmesnik človek-stroj, označevanje in razpoznavanje - Razpoznavanje terminalov opreme, končnikov vodnikov in vodnikov (IEC 60445:2021/AMD1:2026)

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
12-Mar-2026
Current Stage
6060 - Document made available - Publishing
Start Date
13-Mar-2026
Due Date
01-Sep-2025
Completion Date
13-Mar-2026

Relations

Effective Date
14-May-2024

Overview

EN IEC 60445:2021/A1:2026 sets out fundamental and safety principles for the identification and marking of equipment terminals, conductor terminations, and conductors in electrical systems. Developed by the CLC and under the responsibility of IEC Technical Committee 3, this standard is essential for ensuring consistent, clear, and safe man-machine interface practices across international electrical installations. Amendment 1 introduces updates, covering the use of specific identification methods, color codes, alphanumeric notations, and graphical symbols for conductors and terminals.

Harmonizing identification systems helps reduce misconnection risks, improve safety, and support global compatibility in equipment design, manufacturing, installation, operation, and maintenance.

Key Topics

  • Standardized Identification of Equipment Terminals and Conductors

    • Establishes clear guidelines for the marking and recognition of terminals and conductor ends.
    • Promotes uniformity in alphanumeric notations and use of graphic symbols.
  • Conductor Color Coding

    • Details specific color codes for AC and DC systems:
      • Neutral or Mid-Point Conductors: Blue.
      • Line Conductors (AC): Black, Brown, or Grey.
      • Line Conductors (DC): Marked with designated colors in the full text.
      • Protective Conductor: Green-and-yellow bi-color.
      • PEN, PEL, PEM Conductors: Combination of color marking and insulation specification.
      • Functional Earthing and Bonding: Pink for both.
  • Marking Methods

    • Uses visual cues: colors, written designations, and IEC-recognized graphical symbols.
    • Provides a comprehensive table (Annex A) aligning colors, notations, and symbols for easy reference.
  • Safety in Man-Machine Interfaces

    • Emphasizes clarity and error prevention at all equipment interaction points.
    • Facilitates compliance with safety of machinery and electrical engineering best practices.

Applications

EN IEC 60445:2021/A1:2026 has broad applicability across industries requiring clear identification and marking of electrical connections:

  • Electrical Panel and Switchgear Manufacturing
    • Assures correct terminal identification for assembly, troubleshooting, and inspection.
  • Machinery Design and Safety
    • Essential for control systems and production machinery where clear labeling prevents hazards.
  • Building Electrical Installations
    • Supports safe wiring practices and efficient maintenance for commercial and residential facilities.
  • Renewable Energy and Industrial Automation
    • Enhances process safety and equipment reliability in evolving electrical environments.

By following this international standard, organizations demonstrate commitment to safety, global interoperability, and reduce the risk of wiring errors during installation, servicing, or upgrade operations.

Related Standards

EN IEC 60445:2021/A1:2026 aligns and interacts with several key standards in the fields of electrical engineering, graphical symbols, and safety:

  • IEC 60417: Graphical symbols for use on equipment.
  • IEC 60050-826: International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Electrical installations.
  • IEC 60204 Series: Safety of machinery-Electrical equipment.
  • EN ISO 13849 / EN 62061: Functional safety of control systems.
  • EN IEC 60364: Low-voltage electrical installations.

Organizations implementing electrical systems should ensure compatibility with these and other related standards for comprehensive compliance and safety across all applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

EN IEC 60445:2021/A1:2026 is a draft published by CLC. Its full title is "Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification - Identification of equipment terminals, conductor terminations and conductors". This standard covers: Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification - Identification of equipment terminals, conductor terminations and conductors

Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification - Identification of equipment terminals, conductor terminations and conductors

EN IEC 60445:2021/A1:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 01.080.20 - Graphical symbols for use on specific equipment; 13.110 - Safety of machinery; 29.020 - Electrical engineering in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN IEC 60445:2021/A1:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN IEC 60445:2021. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN IEC 60445:2021/A1:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN IEC 60445:2021/oprA1:2025
01-januar-2025
Osnovna in varnostna načela za vmesnik človek-stroj, označevanje in
razpoznavanje - Razpoznavanje terminalov opreme, končnikov vodnikov in
vodnikov
Amendment 1 - Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and
identification - Identification of equipment terminals, conductor terminations and
conductors
Grund- und Sicherheitsregeln für die Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstelle - Kennzeichnung
von Anschlüssen elektrischer Betriebsmittel, angeschlossenen Leiterenden und Leitern
Amendement 1 - Principes fondamentaux et de sécurité pour les interfaces homme-
machine, le marquage et l’identification - Identification des bornes de matériels, des
extrémités de conducteurs et des conducteurs
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 60445:2021/prA1:2024
ICS:
01.080.20 Grafični simboli za posebno Graphical symbols for use on
opremo specific equipment
13.110 Varnost strojev Safety of machinery
29.020 Elektrotehnika na splošno Electrical engineering in
general
SIST EN IEC 60445:2021/oprA1:2025 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

SIST EN IEC 60445:2021/oprA1:2025

SIST EN IEC 60445:2021/oprA1:2025

3/1687/CDV
COMMITTEE DRAFT FOR VOTE (CDV)
PROJECT NUMBER:
IEC 60445/AMD1 ED7
DATE OF CIRCULATION: CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING:
2024-11-22 2025-02-14
SUPERSEDES DOCUMENTS:
3/1665/CD, 3/1684/CC
IEC TC 3 : DOCUMENTATION, GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS AND REPRESENTATIONS OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION
SECRETARIAT: SECRETARY:
Sweden Mr Mikael Törnkvist
OF INTEREST TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES: HORIZONTAL FUNCTION(S):
TC 2,TC 18,TC 20,TC 21,SC 23B,TC 26,TC 27,TC 44,TC TC 3 Horizontal Basic Safety
61,SC 62A,TC 64,TC 82,TC 99,SC 121A,SC 121B,ACOS,SyC
LVDC
ASPECTS CONCERNED:
Safety
SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING NOT SUBMITTED FOR CENELEC PARALLEL VOTING
Attention IEC-CENELEC parallel voting
The attention of IEC National Committees, members of
CENELEC, is drawn to the fact that this Committee Draft for Vote
(CDV) is submitted for parallel voting.
The CENELEC members are invited to vote through the
CENELEC online voting system.
This document is still under study and subject to change. It should not be used for reference purposes.
Recipients of this document are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Recipients of this document are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant “In Some Countries” clau ses to
be included should this proposal proceed. Recipients are reminded that the CDV stage is the final stage for submitting ISC c lauses.
(SEE AC/22/2007 OR NEW GUIDANCE DOC).

TITLE:
Amendment 1 - Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification -
Identification of equipment terminals, conductor terminations and conductors

PROPOSED STABILITY DATE: 2029
NOTE FROM TC/SC OFFICERS:
electronic file, to make a copy and to print out the content for the sole purpose of preparing National Committee positions. You
may not copy or "mirror" the file or printed version of the document, or any part of it, for any other purpose without permis sion
in writing from IEC.
SIST EN IEC 60445:2021/oprA1:2025
3/1687/CDV - 2 - IEC CDV 60445/AMD1 ED7 © IEC 2024
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
BASIC AND SAFETY PRINCIPLES FOR MAN-MACHINE
INTERFACE, MARKING AND IDENTIFICATION –
IDENTIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT TERMINALS,
CONDUCTOR TERMINATIONS AND CONDUCTORS

FOREWORD
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