IEC 61298-2:2008 establishes international methods for testing the performance and functional characteristics of process control devices under reference conditions. It covers accuracy, dynamic behavior, and electrical/pneumatic characteristics, with a new edition, prEN IEC 61298-2:2024, in development. Further details are available from the IEC Webstore. IEC 61298-2:2008
IEC 61298 is a multipart standard for Process measurement and control devices – General methods and procedures for evaluating performance.
If you need a solid paper (i.e., a summary or technical overview) on IEC 61298-2, here is a structured outline you can use or expand into a full document: iec 612982
IEC 61298-2 is essential for verifying intrinsic instrument performance before considering environmental effects. It ensures reproducibility of test results globally.
Confusion often arises because several IEC standards deal with industrial instruments. Here is a clear differentiation: Ambient temperature (steps
| Standard | Primary Focus | Key Question It Answers | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | IEC 61298 | Performance testing | "How accurate, repeatable, and stable is this device?" | | IEC 61508 | Functional safety | "Will this device fail safely if something breaks?" | | IEC 61326 | EMC (Electromagnetic compatibility) | "Does nearby radio noise or a lightning strike affect it?" | | IEC 60529 | Ingress protection (IP rating) | "Can dust or water get inside?" |
Note: A device can be IEC 61298-tested (accurate) but not safe (IEC 61508). Conversely, a safety-certified transmitter can have poor accuracy—but that is usually unacceptable. and electrical/pneumatic characteristics
IEC 61298-3 defines tests for over 20 influence quantities including:
This allows realistic assessment of device stability in harsh industrial environments.
Before testing begins, the device must be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. A "warm-up" period is required to ensure the device reaches thermal equilibrium and electronic stability.