This International Standard is applicable to high-voltage switchgear and controlgear (scope of
IEC SC 17A) and assemblies thereof (scope of IEC SC 17C) and specifies equipment for
digital communication with other parts of the substation and its impact on testing. This
equipment for digital communication, replacing metal parallel wiring, can be integrated into
the high-voltage switchgear, controlgear, and assemblies thereof, or can be an external
equipment in order to provide compliance for existing switchgear and controlgear and
assemblies thereof with the standards of the IEC 61850 series.
This International Standard is a product standard based on the IEC 61850 series. It deals with
all relevant aspects of switchgear and controlgear, and assemblies thereof with a serial
communication interface according to the IEC 61850 series. In particular it defines:
a) A selection of the information models from the IEC 61850 series that shall be supported
by such switchgear and controlgear, and assemblies thereof.
b) Conformance classes for the set of communication services that shall be supported by the
switchgear and controlgear, and assemblies thereof.
c) Modifications and extensions to type and routine tests of switchgear and controlgear, and
assemblies thereof that are required due to the serial communication interface.
d) An extension of the IEC 61850 series’ object model for switchgear monitoring.
NOTE 1 It is intended to integrate the extension of the IEC 61850 series’ object model for switchgear monitoring
into a further revision of the IEC 61850 series. Once this integration is completed, the relevant parts will be
removed from this standard.
The document is based on the IEC 61850 series, the horizontal standard series for
communication, and specifies the requirements for digital communication equipment used
within high-voltage switchgear, controlgear, and assemblies thereof, as well as the relevant
testing requirements.
The relevant switchgear standards of the IEC 62271 series are applicable in general, with the
additional specifications described in this standard.
NOTE 2 There is a limited activity today concerning switchgear with digital interface for rated voltage levels less
than, or equal to, 52 kV. Such switchgear usually does not have integrated digital communication interfaces. If
such products are to be developed, this should be done in accordance with the present standard.
NOTE 3 This standard intends to promote interoperability of communication interfaces. Interchangeability is
outside the scope of this standard, as there is no requirement for it. Interchangeability is also outside the scope of
the IEC 61850 series.
NOTE 4 For an introduction to substation communication and the related terms, definitions and models, refer to
IEC 61850-1 which provides an overview of the objectives and requirements of the IEC 61850 series in general.
IEC 61850-7-1 provides an overview of modelling techniques.