What is IEC 61508?

IEC 61508, also known as Functional Safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Safety-Related Systems, is an international standard for the functional safety of electrical and electronic systems. It was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to provide guidelines and requirements for the design, implementation, and operation of safety-related systems.

Understanding EN 13849

EN 13849 is a European standard that focuses specifically on safety-related control systems, particularly those used in machinery. This standard provides guidance on how to assess the performance and reliability of safety-related parts of the control system. It emphasizes the use of performance levels to determine the required level of risk reduction achieved by the safety functions implemented in the system.

Differences between IEC 61508 and EN 13849

While both IEC 61508 and EN 13849 deal with functional safety, there are notable differences between the two standards. Firstly, IEC 61508 is applicable to various industries and sectors, covering a wide range of safety-related systems. On the other hand, EN 13849 is primarily focused on safety-related control systems employed in machinery. The scope and application of the standards differ, with each addressing specific requirements based on their respective intended industries.

Another significant difference is the approach to risk assessment. IEC 61508 adopts a quantitative approach by calculating the probability of failure and considering factors such as diagnostic coverage and safety integrity level. In contrast, EN 13849 follows a qualitative approach, using performance levels to determine the level of risk reduction without quantifying it in numerical terms.

Conclusion

IEC 61508 and EN 13849 are two important standards in the field of functional safety. While IEC 61508 provides a broad framework for designing safety-related systems applicable to various industries, EN 13849 focuses specifically on safety-related control systems in machinery. Understanding the differences between these standards is crucial for professionals involved in the design, implementation, and operation of safety systems.