What is BS EN IEC 62026‑1 on Controller-device interfaces about?
BS EN IEC 62026‑1 is the 10th part of an international multi-series standard that covers general specifications and rules for low-voltage switchgear and control gear.
BS EN IEC 62026‑1 applies to interfaces between low-voltage switchgear, control gear, and controllers (e. g. programmable controllers, personal computers, etc.).
BS EN IEC 62026‑1 serves the purpose of harmonizing and defining the rules, components, and requirements of a general nature applicable to industrial CDIs. It covers those features of the various CDI standards that can be considered general.
For each controller-device interface, two main documents are necessary to determine all requirements and tests:
- BS EN IEC 62026‑1, referred to as “IEC 62026-1” in the relevant CDI parts covering the various types of CDIs
- The specific CDI part of the IEC 62026 series.
Note 1: BS EN IEC 62026‑1 does not apply to higher-level industrial communication networks that have become known as fieldbuses and are considered by IEC subcommittee 65C.
Who is BS EN IEC 62026‑1 on Controller-device interfaces for?
BS EN IEC 62026‑1 on controller-device interfaces is useful for:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of interface controllers
- Dealers and distributors of interface controllers
- Designers and developers of interface controllers
- Test/ service providers interface controllers
Why should you use BS EN IEC 62026‑1 on Controller-device interfaces?
Industrial controller-device interfaces (CDIs) have been extended to meet specific requirements of the users, but still unable to meet all requirements in one CDI. The physical requirements have resulted in controller-device interfaces with many different signals and line conditioning mechanisms in order to meet all functioning aspects.
BS EN IEC 62026‑1 simplifies the controller-device interfaces selection process by providing a common structure for generating a specific controller-device interfaces’ IEC standard while also allowing specific interface features and capabilities to be included. It contains the guidelines for general requirements and test specifications that comply with the CDI’s international standard.
BS EN IEC 62026‑1 helps you for standardization of controller-device interfaces aspects which enables the task of writing the software for the higher layer functions of industrial control systems, such as supervisory control, operator interface, and control strategy programming, in a simple manner.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 62026‑1:2019 supersedes BS EN 62026‑1:2007, which is withdrawn.
BS EN IEC 62026‑1:2019 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- Additional requirements for safety information and instructions, including the measures to be taken, if any, for achieving EMC compliance
- EMC immunity requirements aligned with the current IEC 61000-6 series of standards. Radiated radio-frequency electromagnetic fields test level increased to 6 GHz
- EMC emissions requirements aligned with current CISPR 11 publications

