What is IEC 60839-2-7:2021?

Introduction

IEC 60839-2-7:2021 is an international standard that pertains to the functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic (E/E/PE) systems in security applications. This standard was published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) with the aim of ensuring the reliability and dependability of such systems.

Scope and Purpose

The scope of IEC 60839-2-7:2021 is to provide guidelines and requirements for the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of security systems. These systems are essential to protect infrastructure, assets, and people across various sectors such as industrial, commercial, and residential.

The primary purpose of this standard is to reduce the risk of failures or maloperations in security systems and ensure that they perform their intended functions when necessary. The standard emphasizes the importance of systematic analysis, appropriate design considerations, and overall robustness of security systems.

Main Requirements

The standard outlines several main requirements that need to be followed to achieve functional safety in security systems:

Systematic evaluation of security risk: It is crucial to identify potential risks and assess their consequences. This allows for the development of effective security measures.

Reliability and availability: Security systems should be designed and implemented in a way that ensures their continuous operation without compromising their intended safety functions.

Resilience against external threats: The standard emphasizes the need for security systems to withstand intentional attacks or unintentional disturbances, including cyber-attacks or environmental factors.

Integration and interoperability: It is important to consider the compatibility and integration of different security systems within a larger infrastructure to ensure their efficient interaction.

Benefits and Implications

Implementing IEC 60839-2-7:2021 brings several benefits:

Enhanced safety: By following this standard, security systems are more likely to perform reliably, reducing the risk of malfunctions or failures. This ensures the safety of individuals and assets in various environments.

Standardization and harmonization: The use of a common standard allows for better coordination and integration between different security systems, leading to improved overall security effectiveness.

Compliance with regulatory requirements: Compliance with IEC standards ensures adherence to industry guidelines and regulations, avoiding legal issues related to security system performance.

However, implementing this standard may also come with some implications, such as increased costs due to design considerations and potential limitations in system flexibility.

In conclusion, IEC 60839-2-7:2021 is an important standard that sets forth requirements for functional safety in security systems. It aims to ensure the reliable operation of such systems by providing guidelines for design, implementation, and operation. Compliance with this standard brings various benefits in terms of enhanced safety, standardization, and regulatory compliance, despite potential cost implications. Overall, this standard plays an instrumental role in improving the dependability and effectiveness of security systems across different sectors.