IEC 62056-6-2-2023 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC 62056-6-2-2023 — Electricity metering data exchange - The DLMS®/COSEM suite - Part 6-2: COSEM interface classes. This international standard defines the object‑oriented interface classes used to model metering devices as seen through their communication interfaces, forming a core component of the DLMS/COSEM suite for metering data exchange.

Abstract

IEC 62056-6-2:2023 specifies a model of a meter exposed via its communication interfaces using generic, object‑oriented building blocks (COSEM interface classes). The document includes informative annexes (A–F) that provide additional information on selected interface classes. The 2023 publication is the fourth edition and cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2017; significant technical changes are summarized in an informative annex.

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: 28 September 2023.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.220; 35.110; 91.140.50 (electricity metering, networking, electricity supply systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 4.0 (2023).
• Number of pages: 1067 pages (electronic publication as listed by the IEC webstore).

Scope

This part of IEC 62056 defines COSEM interface classes — generic, object‑oriented building blocks used to represent meter features and services through communication interfaces. It is intended to model meters from simple to very complex devices and to support DLMS/COSEM application‑layer interaction across a variety of lower‑layer communication profiles. Informative annexes provide examples and additional information for several interface classes. The 2023 edition is a technical revision of the 2017 edition.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and formalization of COSEM interface classes to model meter functionality (object attributes, methods, and usage semantics).
• Object‑oriented modelling approach for metering devices to support interoperability across implementations and communication profiles.
• Informative annexes (A–F) with additional guidance, examples and technical details for selected interface classes.
• Compatibility and relationship with other parts of the DLMS/COSEM suite (application layer, OBIS, transport/communication profiles).
• Technical changes vs. the 2017 edition are recorded in an informative annex (Annex F).

Typical use and users

Used by electric meter manufacturers, smart‑meter firmware and software developers, utility communications engineers, system integrators, test laboratories and certification bodies. Typical uses include designing and implementing COSEM object models in meters and head‑end systems, producing test suites, and ensuring interoperable metering communications across DLMS/COSEM profiles.

Related standards

IEC 62056 is a multipart suite (DLMS/COSEM). Closely related parts include IEC 62056-5-3 (DLMS/COSEM application layer), IEC 62056-6-1 (OBIS / Object Identification System), and various communication‑profile parts (e.g., parts in the 8‑ and 9‑series) that specify lower‑layer or network profiles for DLMS/COSEM. National and regional adoptions (EN, BS, UNE, SFS, etc.) exist for many parts of the suite.

Keywords

IEC 62056-6-2, DLMS, COSEM, COSEM interface classes, metering data exchange, smart metering, OBIS, DLMS/COSEM suite, metering communication, interface classes.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 62056-6-2:2023 is the DLMS/COSEM suite part that defines COSEM interface classes — the object‑oriented building blocks used to represent meter functions over communication interfaces.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the modeling of meters through COSEM interface classes (attributes, methods, semantics), guidance and examples in informative annexes, and how these classes fit into the wider DLMS/COSEM application framework.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Meter manufacturers, firmware/software developers, utilities, system integrators, test laboratories and certification bodies working on DLMS/COSEM‑based metering solutions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current (published). The 2023 edition (Edition 4.0) cancels and replaces the 2017 (third) edition. Publication date: 28 September 2023.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one part of the multipart IEC 62056 DLMS/COSEM suite, which also includes parts for the application layer, OBIS (object identification), transport/communication profiles and other supporting documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: DLMS, COSEM, COSEM interface classes, metering data exchange, IEC 62056, OBIS, smart metering.