Used to indicate a change in state or a warning condition.
By implementing the strict design frameworks outlined in the IEC 60073 document, engineering firms reduce human error, streamline training for plant operators, and ensure global compliance for their industrial equipment.
IEC 60073 provides the universal rules for assigning meanings to visual, acoustic, and tactile signals. Whether you are designing a simple push-button or a complex SCADA screen, this standard ensures that an operator can immediately recognize a machine's state and know exactly how to respond. iec 60073 pdf
The standard outlines several key principles for HMI design, including:
: Used for general operational control (Start, Stop, Jog) where specific safety colors are not strictly required. Beyond Color: Multimodal Coding Used to indicate a change in state or a warning condition
: To help color-blind operators, the standard recommends consistent positioning (e.g., Red at the top, Amber in the middle, Green at the bottom).
While IEC 60073 is the foundation for coding, other standards complement it. Here's a brief comparison: Whether you are designing a simple push-button or
When visual is insufficient (noisy environment, operator not looking), sounds provide coded meaning:
Auditory codes must be distinct from background noise and from other alarms (e.g., fire vs. machine fault).
🔵 : Mandatory. Indicates a state that requires a specific action by the operator (e.g., "reset required").
Many engineering firms maintain enterprise subscriptions to databases like IHS Markit or Techstreet, providing employee access to the PDF.