BS EN 80416-1:2009

What is BS EN 80416-1 - Creation of graphical symbols for registration about?  

A graphical symbol is defined as a visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning used to transmit information independently of language. 

BS EN 80416 is a European Standard that discusses graphical symbols for use on equipment.  

BS EN 80416-1 is the first part of the series that provides basic principles and guidelines for the creation of graphical symbols for registration, and provides the key principles and rules for the preparation of title, description and note(s). 

BS EN 80416-1 applies to graphical symbols used:  

• To identify the equipment or a part of the equipment (for example, controls or displays)  
• To indicate functional states or functions (for example, on, off, alarm)  
• To designate connections (for example, terminals, filling points); 
• To provide information on packaging (for example, identification of content, instructions for handling)  
• To provide instructions for the operation of the equipment (for example, Iimitations of use) 

BS EN 80416-1 is primarily intended for use by technical committees in the preparation of standards in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 108. 

Note: BS EN 80416-1 does not apply to graphical symbols for:  

• Safety signs  
• Use on drawings and diagrams  
• Use in technical documentation of products and in technical product documentation  
• Use for public information.  

Who is BS EN 80416-1 - Creation of graphical symbols for registration for?  

BS EN 80416-1 on basic principles for creation of graphical symbols for registration relevant to:  

• Equipment manufacturers 
• Designers of graphical symbols 
• Product development teams 
• Technical committees 
• Regulatory bodies 
• Certification bodies  

Why should you use BS EN 80416-1 - Creation of graphical symbols for registration? 

Graphical symbols are used on equipment for a wide range of purposes. The understanding of such symbols can be improved by consistent design. This is particularly important where families of symbols are used in one location or on similar equipment. Good design also helps to maintain the legibility of symbols when they are reduced to small dimensions for application. Thus, there is a need to standardize the principles for creating graphical symbols for use on equipment to ensure visual clarity, to maintain consistency and thereby to improve recognition.  

BS EN 80416 is a multi-part standard which provides basic principles and guidelines for the creation of graphical symbols for use on equipment (Parts 1 and 2) and also principles and guidelines for adapting registered graphical symbols for use in practice (Parts 3 and 4).  

BS EN 80416-1 addresses the basic rules used to create graphical symbols for use on equipment, including line widths, negation elements, and the use of the basic pattern.  

These design principles should be applied to all graphical symbols for use on equipment to ensure that there is a clear and unambiguous meaning attached to symbols, which can aid in improved equipment identification.