IEC 62745, Safety of machinery – Requirements for cableless control systems of machinery, has just been released. This new IEC standard gives you the functional safety requirements for CCS (cableless control systems). While prior standards have been released on the issue of RF interference, this new IEC document is much broader in its scope.
CCS refers specifically to control equipment where the controller is not tethered to the equipment by cabling at all. This is in contrast to wireless controllers which are only partially wireless. In this configuration, the control panel is usually connected to the equipment by cable for essential functions (start, stop, etc.).
So IEC 62745 specifically reviews the requirement for a CCS that is part of a system using an operator control station. The goal is to reduce the risks regarding safety on these types of controlled machinery. As CSS becomes more pervasive, safety issues rise to the top.
After the regular scope, referenced documents and definition clauses, the standard moves directly into functional requirements. Included are operational considerations – Preventing inadvertent actuation, unauthorized operation and unintended commands. Also discussed are a number of functional requirements. These include data transfer and transmission, safety, reset, and other control issues.
Clause 5 covers verification, while Clause 6 reviews information for use (information to be provided by the manufacturer). Annex A is an informative section on the logic of stop functions. A 17-item bibliography completes the publication.
IEC 62745 is an important addition to safety standards for the modern manufacturing floor. As we move to more automated environments, being able to safely control the equipment we use is essential.
As IEC notes, you’ll need to purchase your copy from an authorized IEC distributor like Document Center Inc. You can search for and order all IEC standards at our webstore, www.document-center.com. Here is a link to the order page for IEC 62745 for your convenience.
Should you want company-wide access for your compliance documentation, ask us about our Standards Online subscriptions. This cloud-based service allows company staff to use your critical documentation at any time. You can contact us about this and any other standards concerns you may have. We are available by phone (650-591-7600) and email (info@document-center.com). Make us your Standards Experts!
