Overview
IEC 63206:2024 - Industrial-process control systems – Recorders – Testing and performance evaluation specifies standardized methods for the characterization, classification, and performance evaluation of recorders used in industrial process control systems. As an international standard by the IEC, it applies to both complete recorder devices and recorder modules within control systems, including analogue chart recorders, digital recorders, X-Y recorders, paperless recorders, event recorders, data loggers, and data acquisition devices (DAQs).
This document is essential for manufacturers seeking to determine and specify the performance of their products, as well as for users, system integrators, and independent testing bodies verifying compliance with manufacturers’ claims. IEC 63206:2024 supersedes IEC 60873-1 and IEC 60873-2, consolidating and updating requirements to ensure global harmonization.
Key Topics
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Classification of Recorders:
- Analogue chart recorders, digital recorders, X-Y recorders, paperless (chartless) recorders
- Event recorders, data loggers, and DAQs for measuring and recording data
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Performance Evaluation Procedures:
- Type tests and routine tests for different recorder types
- Defined test environments and standardized test procedures
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Recorder Types by Medium and Functionality:
- Paper medium recorders (strip chart, drum, pen, thermal, jet, printing)
- Digital medium recorders (magnetic, optical, or solid-state storage)
- Specialized modules for electrical and pneumatic recorders
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Performance Criteria Assessed:
- Accuracy, error in timekeeping, start-up/long-term drift
- Step response, input resistance, insulation and dielectric strength
- Power consumption (electrical/pneumatic), alarm response, mutual interference between channels, channel synchronization, EMC performance
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Influence of Environmental and Operational Factors:
- Ambient temperature, humidity, vibration, shock
- Mounting position, supply voltage/frequency variations, over-range protection
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Recording Quality Evaluation (for paper-based systems):
- Long-term stability, marking velocity, smear test, chart speed, parallax
Applications
IEC 63206:2024 offers significant value across a range of industries using process control systems, such as manufacturing, chemical processing, energy, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment. It is particularly relevant in the following areas:
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Manufacturer Compliance and Product Development:
- Enables manufacturers to design recorder devices that meet globally recognized criteria.
- Provides a clear framework for self-assessment and third-party verification of product performance.
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Quality Assurance and Procurement:
- Helps end-users and procurement specialists evaluate and select recorder products based on verifiable, standardized performance indicators.
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Testing Laboratories and Certification Bodies:
- Serves as a foundation for developing test protocols and assessing conformity for recorder devices and modules.
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Integration in Process Control Systems:
- Enables system integrators to ensure compatibility, accuracy, and reliability of data logging and recording equipment within larger automation and control infrastructures.
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Migration from Withdrawn Standards:
- Assists organizations previously using IEC 60873-1 and IEC 60873-2 to transition their specifications and processes to the new requirements.
Related Standards
For comprehensive integration and testing of recorder devices in industrial environments, the following related IEC standards are recommended:
- IEC 60050-313 / IEC 60050-351 – International Electrotechnical Vocabulary for measurement and control
- IEC 61003-1 – Performance evaluation of industrial process control instruments
- IEC 61010-1 – Safety requirements for electrical measurement and control equipment
- IEC 61326-1 – EMC requirements for measurement and control equipment
- IEC 62828-1 – Reference conditions and testing procedures for measurement transmitters
IEC 63206:2024 strengthens the reliability and consistency of industrial recording devices, supporting accurate data acquisition and process monitoring throughout the lifecycle of process control systems.