What is the difference between IEC 62930 and EN 50618 ?

IEC 62930 and EN 50618 are both European standards that address the requirements for control cables used in security systems, fire alarms, and communication networks. However, there are significant differences between the two standards.

EN 50618 is a European standard that specifies the technical characteristics of control cables, including their construction, materials, and electrical properties. The standard aims to ensure the reliability and safety of control cables and to provide compatibility between different devices and systems.

On the other hand, IEC 62930 is a global standard that focuses on energy efficiency and power management. It addresses issues such as standby power consumption, sleep modes, and power-saving techniques.

EN 13849 is a European standard that focuses specifically on safety-related control systems, particularly those used in machinery. It provides guidance on how to assess the performance and reliability of safety-related parts of the control system.

While both IEC 62930 and EN 50618 and EN 13849 deal with functional safety, they differ in their scope and application. IEC 62930 is applicable to various industries and sectors and covers a wide range of safety-related systems. EN 13849, on the other hand, is primarily focused on safety-related control systems employed in machinery and addresses specific requirements based on its intended industry.

In addition, the approaches to risk assessment used by the standards also differ. IEC 61508 adopts a quantitative approach by calculating the probability of failure and considering factors such as diagnostic coverage and safety integrity level. EN 13849, on the other hand, follows a qualitative approach, using performance levels to determine the level of risk reduction without quantifying it in numerical terms.

In conclusion, while both IEC 62930 and EN 50618 and EN 13849 deal with electrical equipment, they differ in their scope, focus, and geographical applicability. EN 13849 is primarily focused on safety-related control systems, while IEC 62930 and EN 50618 address energy efficiency and power management, respectively..