What is the difference between IEC 62061 and 61508?

The IEC 62061 and IEC 61508 are two important standards in the field of electrical safety and functional safety. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between them that are worth exploring.

IEC 62061: Safety of machinery – Functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic control systems

IEC 62061 is a standard specifically focused on the safety of machinery and related control systems. It provides guidance on how to achieve functional safety by applying electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic systems (E/E/PE) to ensure the safety of machinery.

This standard outlines requirements for the design, integration, and validation of E/E/PE systems in order to achieve the desired level of safety. It covers various aspects such as risk assessment, safety functions, safety performance levels, and safety integrity levels.

One key feature of IEC 62061 is the use of Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) to determine the required performance of safety-related systems. SIL is a measure of the probability that a system will perform its intended function without failure, and it helps guide the selection of appropriate safety measures.

IEC 61508: Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems

In contrast, IEC 61508 is a broader standard that applies to a wide range of industries and sectors. It provides a framework for achieving functional safety in electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic safety-related systems (E/E/PES). This includes systems used in process industries, transportation, energy generation, and more.

IEC 61508 focuses on the entire safety lifecycle of a system, from concept and design to operation and maintenance. It lays out principles and requirements for all stages of the lifecycle, including specification, development, installation, and configuration management.

One notable aspect of IEC 61508 is the systematic approach it advocates for achieving functional safety. This includes hazard identification, risk assessment, allocation of safety functions, and the implementation of necessary safety measures.

Differences between IEC 62061 and 61508

While IEC 62061 and IEC 61508 share similar goals of ensuring functional safety, there are some key differences between them:

Scope: IEC 62061 specifically targets machinery and related control systems, while IEC 61508 has a broader scope that applies to various industries and sectors.

Approach: IEC 62061 focuses on the safety of machinery and emphasizes the use of Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) to assess and achieve the required safety performance. IEC 61508 takes a more comprehensive approach, addressing the entire safety lifecycle of a system and promoting a systematic method to ensure functional safety.

Application: IEC 61508 can be seen as a foundation standard, providing general principles and requirements that can be further expanded upon by sector-specific standards. In contrast, IEC 62061 is a sector-specific standard tailored to the machinery industry.

In conclusion, while both IEC 62061 and IEC 61508 play significant roles in ensuring functional safety, they have different scopes and approaches. Understanding these differences is crucial for professionals working in industries where electrical and electronic safety-related systems are prevalent.