The latest information regarding IEC 61298-2 indicates that a new version, Edition 3.0, is currently in the final stages of publication and is scheduled for release in 2026. Status of IEC 61298-2:2026
Current Phase: The standard is currently in the FDIS (Final Draft International Standard) stage.
Release Date: The forecast publication date is set for June 5, 2026, with official British Standards (BS EN IEC) availability expected by August 10, 2026.
Availability: A Pre-release version (PRV) is currently available for purchase at the IEC Webstore until the voting period ends on May 1, 2026. Key Updates in Edition 3.0
Technical Revision: This third edition cancels and replaces the previous 2008 version.
Refined Scope: It specifies general methods for testing and reporting performance characteristics for process instrumentation, specifically excluding Process Measurement Transmitters (PMT), which are now standardized under the IEC 62828 series.
Reference Conditions: The core focus remains on standardized test methods and reporting practices for both analogue and digital devices under defined reference conditions to ensure global comparability. Related Drafts
A parallel European draft, prEN IEC 61298-2:2024, was circulated for public comment and voting through late 2024 to align European standards with this international update. IEC 61298-2:2026 PRV
The IEC 61298 series, a foundational set of standards for evaluating the performance of process measurement and control devices, is undergoing its first major overhaul since 2008. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is currently transitioning to the third edition of this series to better align with modern industrial technologies. The Evolution of IEC 61298
The IEC 61298 series provides a standardized framework for manufacturers and testing laboratories to verify the functional characteristics of industrial instrumentation. A critical change in the new editions is the explicit exclusion of Process Measurement Transmitters (PMT), which are now standardized under the separate IEC 62828 series. Key Updates in the Third Edition (2024–2026)
The series is divided into several parts, each receiving specific updates to reflect current testing methodologies: IEC 61298-1: General Considerations (Expected Dec 2025)
Focuses on the high-level framework for designing and reporting performance tests.
Introduces more realistic operating conditions and emphasizes economic aspects, such as choosing test points that balance result relevance with testing costs. Latest Draft: prEN IEC 61298-1:2024.
IEC 61298-2: Tests Under Reference Conditions (Expected June 2026)
Standardizes how to measure accuracy-related factors, including dead band, hysteresis, and error curves. iec 612982 new
Includes new procedures for dynamic behavior testing, such as frequency response and step-response characteristics.
A pre-release version (IEC 61298-2:2026 PRV) is currently available for review and voting until May 2026.
IEC 61298-3: Tests for the Effects of Influence Quantities (Draft 2024)
Covers how environmental and operational factors—such as temperature, vibration, and electromagnetic interference—impact device reliability.
Ensures that modern digital and analogue devices meet rigorous quality criteria for use in complex industrial systems. Timeline and Implementation
The rollout of these standards is phased, with the previous 2008 versions remaining active until the final publication of each part: IEC 61298-2:2008
Under development IEC 61298-2 Edition 3.0 Stage code: RFDIS Forecast publication date 2026-06-05. IEC Webstore
The standard IEC 61298-2 is the international benchmark for testing the performance of process measurement and control devices under standardized "reference conditions". It ensures that industrial sensors—like those for pressure, temperature, and flow—provide accurate and comparable data across the global automation industry.
As of May 2026, the industry is transitioning to Edition 3.0, a major update designated as BS EN IEC 61298-2:2024 (draft) with a forecasted final publication date of August 12, 2026. Understanding the New IEC 61298-2 Framework
The "Part 2" of the IEC 61298 series focuses strictly on reference conditions, which are controlled lab environments designed to isolate a device's inherent performance from external environmental noise. 1. Scope and Applicability
The new edition applies to both analogue and digital process instrumentation. However, a significant exclusion remains: Process Measurement Transmitters (PMT) are now primarily covered under the IEC 62828 series, meaning engineers must cross-reference these standards depending on the specific hardware. 2. Key Testing Procedures
The standard provides a "testing playbook" for evaluating four main categories of device behavior:
Accuracy-Related Factors: Standardizes how to select test ranges, use preconditioning cycles, and calculate error curves.
Dynamic Behaviour: Defines methods for frequency response and step-response testing to ensure control system stability. The latest information regarding IEC 61298-2 indicates that
Functional Characteristics: Covers electrical insulation, power/air consumption, and pneumatic airflow characteristics.
Drift Analysis: Specifies procedures to measure both start-up drift and long-term drift to predict maintenance cycles. Significant Updates in Edition 3.0
The 2024/2026 update (Edition 3.0) supersedes the long-standing 2008 version. While it retains the core testing methodologies, it introduces several modern refinements:
Alignment with Digital Transformation: Enhanced procedures for digital I/O devices reflect the shift toward Industry 4.0 and smart sensors.
Standardized Reporting: New requirements for data presentation (figures and tables) aim to make datasheets from different manufacturers more directly comparable.
Inter-Standard Harmonization: Improved cross-references with IEC 61298-1 (general considerations) and safety standards like IEC 61010-1. Implementation Timeline
Organizations should monitor the following key dates for the rollout of the new standard:
Draft Publication (prEN IEC 61298-2:2024): Currently available for review at sites like iTeh Standards. Final Approval: Expected by May 22, 2026. Full Publication: Scheduled for August 12, 2026.
For manufacturers and R&D engineers, early adoption of these procedures—even in their draft stage—is recommended to ensure future compliance and market access.
The "new" aspect likely refers to the 3rd edition, currently in draft form as prEN IEC 61298-2:2024, which is expected to replace the long-standing 2008 version. The Story of the Standard: Ensuring Precision in Industry
In the complex world of industrial automation, consistency is everything. Imagine a chemical plant where a sensor measures pressure. If two different sensors from two different brands give two different readings for the exact same pressure, the results could be catastrophic. This is where IEC 61298-2 comes in.
IEC 61298 series is a foundational set of international standards for evaluating the performance of process measurement and control devices. While the current active version of Part 2 (IEC 61298-2) dates back to 2008, new third edition
(ED3) is currently in development and expected to reach final approval in late 2025 The "New" IEC 61298-2 Update The latest draft version, prEN IEC 61298-2:2024
, was recently published to provide updated standardized test methods and reporting practices. Expanded Scope Oil & gas exploration in Arctic regions
: The new draft specifies that it covers both analogue and digital instrumentation, but explicitly excludes Process Measurement Transmitters (PMT) , which are now covered by the Target Users
: It is designed for manufacturers validating device performance, independent laboratories creating reproducible test plans, and R&D engineers assessing accuracy and dynamic response. : The project for the third edition (ED3) is slated for final registration in December 2025 Core Focus of Part 2
Like its predecessors, the new edition continues to focus on Tests under reference conditions
. These are standardized "ideal" environments used to ensure that measurement results are reliable and comparable across different manufacturers and laboratories. Key testing areas include: Accuracy Factors
: Methods for determining test ranges, preconditioning cycles, and error curve presentation. Dynamic Behavior
: Evaluating frequency response and step input response to analyze a device's time-dependent stability. Functional Characteristics
: Testing insulation resistance, power consumption, and dielectric strength. Drift Measurement
: Documenting how performance might shift at start-up or over long-term use. Where to Find it
You can track the status and find draft previews of the upcoming standard on platforms like the IEC Webstore or through national standards bodies like iTeh Standards Austrian Standards IEC 61298-2 update differs from the specific testing requirements for transmitters in the IEC 62828 series? IEC 61298-2:2008 Oct 8, 2551 BE — IEC 61298-2:2008 | IEC. IEC Webstore
prEN IEC 61298-2:2024 - Process Control Devices Performance Tests
The old standard limited ambient temperature tests to -25°C to +85°C. The new IEC 61298-2 extends this range to -55°C to +125°C in response to:
Action Required: Manufacturers must now verify temperature influence over a broader span, including rapid thermal cycling (10°C/min, up from 2°C/min).
Title: Process measurement and control devices – General methods and procedures for evaluating performance – Part 2: Tests under reference conditions.