IEC 61850-6-2024 PDF

Full title and description

IEC 61850-6: Communication networks and systems for power utility automation – Part 6: Configuration description language for communication in electrical substations related to IEDs. This 2024 publication consolidates the 2009 base edition with Amendment 1 (2018) and Amendment 2 (2024) and defines the Substation Configuration Language (SCL) file formats used to describe IED capabilities, station and communication system configurations, switchyard function structures and the relations between them to enable interoperable exchange between engineering tools and devices.

Abstract

Specifies the SCL object model, file types, syntax elements and engineering process guidance required to exchange configuration and capability information for Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and station automation systems. The 2024 amendment adds functional extensions, engineering-process improvements and clarifications to improve interoperability and toolchain integration across vendors and system integrators.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 27 November 2024 (Amendment 2 / consolidated CSV published November 2024).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 33.200 (Telecontrol / Telemetering).
• Edition / version: Consolidated CSV listed as edition 2.2 (IEC 61850-6:2009+AMD1:2018+AMD2:2024); Amendment 2 appears as Ed. 2.0 (IEC 61850-6:2009/AMD2:2024).
• Number of pages: Consolidated CSV: 291 pages; Amendment 2 standalone: 183 pages.

Scope

Defines a standardized XML-based file format (SCL) and accompanying object model to describe, exchange and manage configuration data for station automation and IEDs in electrical substations. The scope includes modelling of substation structure, IED products, communication systems, data flows and redundancy, plus conventions for engineering, project exchange and backward/forward language compatibility. The standard is intended to enable vendor-neutral transfer of configuration and capability descriptions between tools and systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of the SCL object model (substation, IED, communication system, data flow and redundancy modelling).
• File-type taxonomy and structure for SCL files (ICD, SCD, CID, IID, etc.) to support different stages of engineering and device exchange.
• Language syntax, versioning and extension rules plus guidance for compatibility and tool interoperability.
• Engineering-process improvements for configuration data exchange between system and device engineering tools (clarifications and process-related extensions introduced in the 2024 amendment).
• Functional extensions aligning SCL with updates in IEC 61850 Parts 7-2 and 7-3 and related normative references (including links to relevant IEC 62351 security profiles).
• Corrections, clarifications and additions to element identification, translated labels and UUID support to enhance toolchain integration.

Typical use and users

Used by utility engineers, substation automation vendors, IED manufacturers, system integrators, engineering-tool developers and testing/laboratory organizations to author, exchange, validate and deploy substation and device configuration data. SCL files are produced and consumed during design, factory testing, commissioning and lifecycle maintenance of power utility automation systems.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 61850 series (system and communication model parts such as IEC 61850-1, -7-2, -7-3, -7-6 and -8-1) and closely related to the IEC 62351 family for security (e.g., IEC 62351-4, -6, -9 referenced for secure communications and profiles). The amendment notes normative references to other IEC 61850 parts and security profiles used in substation communications.

Keywords

IEC 61850, SCL, Substation Configuration Language, IED, station configuration, configuration files, SCD, ICD, CID, IID, smart grid, substation automation, interoperability, XML, engineering tools, amendment 2024.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61850-6 specifies the Substation Configuration Language (SCL) file formats and object model used to describe IED capabilities, station and communication system configurations for electrical substations, enabling interoperable exchange between engineering tools and devices.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the SCL object model (substation, IED, communication system, data flow and redundancy), SCL file types and syntax, engineering-process guidance, versioning and extension rules, and updates introduced by the 2024 amendment to improve interoperability and toolchain integration.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Utilities, substation automation vendors, IED manufacturers, system integrators, engineering-tool developers and testing labs use the standard to author, exchange and validate configuration data throughout design, commissioning and lifecycle maintenance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2024 amendment (Amendment 2) and the consolidated CSV publication (2009 base + AMD1:2018 + AMD2:2024) were published in November 2024 and are the current normative publications for Part 6; the stability date listed by IEC is 2026. Users should check for further amendments or national adoptions after that date.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 61850-6 is Part 6 of the IEC 61850 series on communication networks and systems for power utility automation; it is intended to be used together with other IEC 61850 parts that define models, services and profiles.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: SCL, Substation Configuration Language, IED configuration, station configuration, interoperability, XML, SCD/ICD/CID/IID, engineering tools, amendment 2024.