Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
AI TechDocKnowledge

Glossary · Safety standards

IEC 62061

Also known as: IEC 62061:2021, EN IEC 62061

German: IEC 62061

IEC 62061 is the machinery-sector functional safety standard for the design, integration and validation of safety-related control systems of machines. It uses Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) up to SIL 3 to express the required and achieved integrity of each safety function.

  • Standards
  • Technical documentation

In one sentence

IEC 62061 is the machinery functional safety standard for safety-related control systems, using Safety Integrity Levels up to SIL 3.

Example

For the light-curtain safety function of a press, the engineer determines the required SIL from severity, frequency, probability and avoidability, then verifies that sensor, safety PLC and valves together achieve it.

How it applies

  • Functional safety: Each safety function gets a specification and a required SIL. The design is verified through architecture, PFH, systematic capability and diagnostic measures.
  • Relation to IEC 61508: IEC 62061 is the machinery application of IEC 61508. Complex subsystems, such as safety PLCs, can be developed to IEC 61508 and integrated as subsystems.
  • Technical documentation: The safety requirements specification, the verification of each function and the validation plan and results belong in the technical file. User information must describe proof tests or periodic checks where they are assumed in the calculation.
  • Evidence: Keep the parameters used in calculations, such as failure rates and demand rates, traceable to their sources.

IEC 62061 vs. ISO 13849-1

Both are used for machinery safety functions. ISO 13849-1 uses Performance Levels a to e and Categories B, 1, 2, 3, 4; IEC 62061 uses SIL 1 to SIL 3. The approaches overlap, and a manufacturer typically chooses one standard per safety function and documents that choice.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 25, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: IEC 62061:2021, Safety of machinery — Functional safety of safety-related control systems

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Blog and are not part of any standard.

Seen a mistake? Send us a note!