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).
While the document was consolidated in 2008, it remains the backbone of modern Industry 4.0 verification. As smart transmitters and digital bus protocols (like HART, PROFIBUS, or Foundation Fieldbus) have evolved, the principles of IEC 61298-2 remain relevant because:
Modern plants use variable frequency drives (VFDs) and switch-mode power supplies that inject harmonics and high-frequency ripple onto the 24V DC loop. The old test used a pure DC source.
The new IEC 61298-2 is not merely a bureaucratic update. It reflects the real-world evolution of process automation: higher data rates, wider operating ranges, and denser electronics. For proactive manufacturers, compliance offers a competitive advantage – customers know that a device tested under the new edition will survive in harsh industrial environments.
For engineers, the IEC 61298-2 new keyword opens up a toolkit of validated test methods that close the gap between laboratory performance and field reliability. As Industry 4.0 pushes sensors to the edge, this standard ensures that the data you trust is accurate – even under the most punishing influence quantities.
Next Steps:
Last updated: October 2025. This article reflects the latest confirmed revision of IEC 61298-2. Always refer to the official IEC document for normative requirements.
About the Author: [Your Name/Company] specializes in process instrumentation compliance and has guided over 50 manufacturers through the transition to the new IEC 61298-2 standard. For a customized gap analysis template, contact our engineering team.
Keywords: IEC 61298-2 new, IEC 61298-2:202X, influence quantity test, process transmitter testing, digital sensor EMC, humidity cycling test, combined influence test, IEC 61298-2 revision.
The landscape for industrial automation is shifting with the development of the new IEC 61298-2 Edition 3.0, a critical update to the international standard for evaluating the performance of process measurement and control devices. Currently under development by the IEC Technical Committee 65 (TC 65/SC 65B), this new version is slated for a forecast publication date of June 5, 2026. What is IEC 61298-2?
IEC 61298-2 is the foundational standard that specifies general methods and procedures for conducting tests and reporting on the functional and performance characteristics of process control devices.
Scope: It applies to both analogue and digital devices characterized by specific input/output variables and transfer functions.
Purpose: It ensures that tests are conducted under standardized reference conditions, allowing for reliable, repeatable, and comparable results across the industry.
Relation to Other Standards: It serves as a base document for product-specific standards. If a device requires unique tests, this standard is used in conjunction with specific product guidelines. Key Updates in the "New" Version (Edition 3.0)
While the previous version (IEC 61298-2:2008) has been the industry benchmark for over 15 years, the forthcoming 2026 edition introduces several pivotal changes:
Exclusion of Process Measurement Transmitters (PMT): One major shift in the new draft (prEN IEC 61298-2:2026) is that it explicitly excludes Process Measurement Transmitters, which are now standardized under the IEC 62828 series.
Modernized Test Procedures: Drafts like prEN IEC 61298-2:2024 and BS EN IEC 61298-2 reflect ongoing efforts to align testing for high-tech digital control systems with modern industrial requirements.
Global Harmonization: New national adoptions, such as the Russian GOST R МЭК 61298-2-2015 and European EN IEC 61298-2:2024, demonstrate the global push to adopt these updated testing frameworks. Core Testing Areas Covered
Manufacturers and testing laboratories use this standard to validate several critical performance factors:
Accuracy-Related Factors: Selection of test ranges, measurement cycles, and the processing of measured values to determine accuracy.
Dynamic Behavior: Evaluating how devices respond to changes over time, including dead band and response times.
Environmental & Power Consumption: Assessing insulation, air consumption, and power requirements under reference conditions. Who Should Monitor This Update?
The transition to the new edition will impact various stakeholders in the industrial sector:
Manufacturers: To verify and document instrument performance for market entry and competitive advantage.
Calibration Laboratories: To ensure their procedures remain traceable and compliant with the latest international benchmarks.
Procurement Teams: To write objective performance requirements into tenders and contracts based on the most current standards.
R&D Engineers: To validate new designs against standardized reference conditions for global compatibility.
For more detailed tracking of the development status, you can visit the Official IEC Webstore or check the iTeh Standards catalog for the latest draft previews. IEC 61298-2:2008
An updated edition of IEC 61298-2 is expected in , marking a significant technical revision for the process instrumentation industry. This standard, titled
Process measurement and control devices - General methods and procedures for evaluating performance - Part 2: Tests under reference conditions
, serves as the blueprint for verifying how instruments behave under stable, ideal laboratory conditions. Key Updates in the 2026 Edition
The upcoming third edition will officially cancel and replace the previous version from 2008. While the core focus remains on general testing methods, the revision introduces several critical changes: Scope Redefinition
: The 2026 version explicitly excludes process measurement transmitters (PMT), as these are now standardized under the IEC 62828 series Device Versatility
: It continues to cover a wide range of process instrumentation, encompassing both analogue and digital devices iec 612982 new
characterized by specific input/output variables and transfer functions. Revised Performance Characteristics
: The update includes technical revisions to how functional and performance characteristics are reported, ensuring the standard aligns with modern digital process environments. Why IEC 61298-2 Matters
For manufacturers and engineers, this standard is the go-to for ensuring that a device's "advertised" performance matches its actual behavior. By testing under reference conditions
, you eliminate external variables (like temperature swings or vibration) to establish a baseline for accuracy and reliability. Complementary Use
: For specialized hardware, this standard is designed to be used alongside product-specific standards that detail additional, unique tests. Standardization
: It ensures that a flow meter or pressure gauge tested in one lab can be meaningfully compared to one tested elsewhere, as both followed the same "reference condition" protocols. Availability and Voting Period IEC 61298-2:2026 Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) is currently in its voting period from March 20, 2026, to May 1, 2026
. Organizations that purchase the FDIS during this window typically receive the final publication and a "Redline" version, which highlights the exact changes made since the 2008 edition. technical differences between the 2008 and 2026 versions in more detail? IEC 61298-2:2026 PRV
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.
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.
Title: IEC 61298-2:2022 - New Standard for Process Automation and Control
Introduction:
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has recently published a new standard, IEC 61298-2:2022, which provides guidelines for process automation and control. This standard is part of the IEC 61298 series, which focuses on process automation and control devices.
What is IEC 61298-2:2022?
IEC 61298-2:2022 is a standard that specifies requirements for the design, testing, and documentation of process automation and control devices, including sensors, actuators, and controllers. The standard covers various aspects, such as:
Key Changes and Updates:
The new IEC 61298-2:2022 standard introduces several key changes and updates, including:
Impact on Industries:
The IEC 61298-2:2022 standard will have a significant impact on various industries that rely on process automation and control, including:
Conclusion:
The new IEC 61298-2:2022 standard provides a comprehensive framework for process automation and control devices, ensuring improved performance, reliability, and cybersecurity. Industries that adopt this standard will benefit from increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced safety. As a result, manufacturers, users, and regulators should be aware of the changes and updates introduced in this standard. The old standard limited ambient temperature tests to
References:
Report: IEC 61298-2:2019 - New Developments and Overview
Introduction
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 61298-2, titled "Process automation - Guide on inputs and outputs for process automation - Part 2: Part 2: Data structures and elements for process automation", has undergone updates. The latest version, IEC 61298-2:2019, aims to provide guidance on the identification, representation, and exchange of information in process automation. This report summarizes the key new aspects of IEC 61298-2:2019.
Background
IEC 61298-2 provides a framework for defining and using data structures and elements in process automation. The standard supports the requirements for information exchange between different systems, devices, and applications used in process automation. The earlier versions of the standard primarily focused on the needs of traditional process control systems.
New Developments in IEC 61298-2:2019
The 2019 update of IEC 61298-2 introduces several significant changes and enhancements:
Impact and Benefits
The updates in IEC 61298-2:2019 are expected to have a positive impact on the process automation industry:
Conclusion
IEC 61298-2:2019 represents a significant step forward in standardizing inputs and outputs for process automation. The new developments in the standard are poised to support the evolving needs of the industry, facilitating more efficient, flexible, and secure process automation systems. As the industry continues to adopt digital transformation and Industry 4.0 technologies, the guidelines provided by IEC 61298-2:2019 will play a crucial role in ensuring effective and interoperable solutions.
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
It seems you are referring to IEC 61298, a standard that covers general test and performance procedures for process measurement and control devices (transmitters, sensors, etc.).
However, there is no publicly announced “IEC 61298 new” version as of early 2026 — the latest published parts are from the 2014–2017 timeframe.
If you are looking for a professional post regarding a possible revision or an updated interpretation, here is a draft you can use:
Title: Understanding the Latest Updates to IEC 61298 – What’s New?
Post:
The IEC 61298 series remains the backbone for testing process measurement instruments (pressure, level, temperature, flow transmitters). While a completely new edition hasn’t been released recently, experts are now discussing:
🔹 Alignment with Industry 4.0 – Proposals for adding digital communication tests (IO-Link, OPC UA) to future revisions.
🔹 Improved environmental testing – More realistic temperature + vibration combined cycles.
🔹 Cybersecurity considerations – Not yet in IEC 61298-1 to -4, but likely in a new part.
If your project requires the latest official version → still IEC 61298-1:2014, IEC 61298-2:2008, IEC 61298-3:2009, IEC 61298-4:2017.
💡 Recommendation – Check with IEC or your national committee for any Draft (CD) or Committee Draft for Vote (CDV) under the reference “IEC 61298 Ed. 3.0” or a new Part 5.
Stay tuned – when a true “new” edition is published, expect tighter uncertainty limits and digital twin integration clauses.
The newest version of IEC 61298-2, titled "Process measurement and control devices – General methods and procedures for evaluating performance – Part 2: Tests under reference conditions", is currently under development as Edition 3.0. It has a forecasted publication date of June 5, 2026.
Below is a summary of the current and upcoming standard for your use: Status and Availability
Current Active Version: IEC 61298-2:2008 (Edition 2.0). It covers general methods for testing functional and performance characteristics of process measurement devices under reference conditions.
Upcoming Version: Edition 3.0 (Project oSIST prEN IEC 61298-2:2024) is currently in the "Enquiry" stage. While the document was consolidated in 2008, it
Significant Change: In the new edition, Process Measurement Transmitters (PMT) have been removed from the scope of this standard; they are now standardized separately under the IEC 62828 series. Key Content Areas
This standard is used to evaluate analogue and digital process instrumentation through:
Accuracy-Related Factors: Guidance on selecting test ranges, preconditioning cycles, and statistical treatment of measurement data to create error curves.
Dynamic Behavior: Standardized procedures for frequency response and step-response testing, essential for control system stability.
Functional Characteristics: Evaluations of input/insulation resistance, dielectric strength, and power consumption (both electrical and pneumatic).
Drift Measurements: Documentation of start-up and long-term drift to ensure long-term device reliability. Drafting Resources
If you are generating a professional paper or technical document related to this standard: Writing and formatting - IEC
The most significant "new" development regarding IEC 61298-2 is its transition to a third edition. A Pre-Release Version (PRV)
was opened for voting in March 2026, with the official publication of IEC 61298-2:2026 expected by August 10, 2026
Key New Feature: Exclusion of Process Measurement Transmitters (PMTs)
An interesting and critical change in the 2024–2026 revision (prEN IEC 61298-2:2024) is the explicit exclusion of Process Measurement Transmitters (PMTs) from its scope. IEC Webstore Why it's interesting
: Previously, the 61298 series was the go-to for evaluating almost all process control performance. Now, PMTs are standardized separately under the IEC 62828 series The Impact
: This clarifies the standard’s role as a "reference standard" specifically for analogue and digital process instrumentation that isn't a transmitter, preventing technical overlap with the newer 62828 specifications. iTeh Standards Other Major Updates in the 2026 Edition
The upcoming third edition replaces the long-standing 2008 version. It retains its focus on Tests under Reference Conditions , but provides modernized procedures for: IEC Webstore Accuracy Metrics
: Standardized selection of test ranges, preconditioning cycles, and error curve presentation. Dynamic Behavior
: Improved procedures for frequency response and step-response testing, specifically for measuring dead-time and rise-time. Drift Quantification
: Detailed methods for measuring both start-up and long-term drift under controlled conditions. Harmonization : It is designed to be used in tandem with the updated IEC 61298-1:2024
, which focuses on general evaluation principles rather than specific test "recipes". iTeh Standards test procedures
While "IEC 612982" appears to be a typo for IEC 61298-2 , the story behind this standard is currently at a major turning point. After nearly two decades of the industry relying on the 2008 version, a new third edition
(IEC 61298-2:2026) is currently in its final drafting stages and scheduled for official release around June 2026. The Evolution of IEC 61298-2
This standard acts as the "rulebook" for how industrial measurement and control devices (like pressure gauges or flow meters) are tested under perfect "reference" conditions. The Old Guard (2008 Edition): For 18 years, the IEC 61298-2:2008
served as the foundation for ensuring that measurement results were reliable, repeatable, and comparable across different manufacturers. The Modern Shift (2026 Edition): The upcoming IEC 61298-2:2026
is a technical revision designed to bring testing methods into the modern era. What's Changing in the "New" Version? The new draft (currently available as an FDIS - Final Draft International Standard
) introduces several key updates to keep pace with digital industrial automation: Scope Refinement: It clarifies its relationship with the IEC 62828 series
, explicitly stating that it covers most process instrumentation
for certain Process Measurement Transmitters (PMT) that now have their own specific standards. Enhanced Testing Protocols: The update provides more precise procedures for determining accuracy metrics
, error curves, and "dead band" effects (where an input change doesn't cause an output change). Digital Integration:
While the 2008 version handled both analogue and digital devices, the new edition is expected to better reflect current digital communication and signal processing capabilities in modern factories. Key Timeline
If you are looking to purchase or implement the newest guidelines, keep these dates in mind: Voting Period: The final draft is currently open for voting until May 1, 2026 Official Publication: The forecasted release for the full, final edition is June 5, 2026 specific testing procedures
for accuracy or dynamic behavior mentioned in the new draft? IEC 61298-2:2026 PRV
If your products were certified under the 2008 edition, you must transition. Here is a practical timeline.
Many plant owners are asking: "Do I have to rip out my old transmitters?"
The short answer: No, not immediately. The "new" standard is not retroactive for existing installations. However, there are three scenarios where you must pay attention:
Previous humidity tests were steady-state (e.g., 95% RH at 40°C). The iec 612982 new introduces "condensation cycling."
