IEC 80416-3:2002

IEC 80416-3
Edition 1.1 2011-10
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment –
Part 3: Guidelines for the application of graphical symbols

Principes élémentaires pour les symboles graphiques utilisables sur le matériel –
Partie 3: Guide pour l’application des symboles graphiques

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IEC 80416-3
Edition 1.1 2011-10
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment –

Part 3: Guidelines for the application of graphical symbols

Principes élémentaires pour les symboles graphiques utilisables sur le matériel

–
Partie 3: Guide pour l’application des symboles graphiques

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 01.080.20 ISBN 978-2-8891-2721-4

– 2 – 80416-3  IEC:2002+A1:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Area of application . 7
4.1 Equipment . 7
4.2 Screens and displays . 7
4.3 Supporting documentation . 7
4.4 International Standards . 7
5 Size of graphical symbols in use . 8
6 Modification of symbol originals for application . 8
6.1 Modification according to design . 8
6.2 Line thickness . 8
6.3 Rounded corner of graphical symbols . 9
6.4 Filled areas . 9
6.5 Interruption of crossing lines . 9
6.6 Modification of arrow type . 10
7 Negation . 10
8 Arrows . 10
9 Change in meaning depending on orientation of graphical symbol . 11
9.1 Orientation . 11
9.2 Application dependent orientation. 12
10 Use of colour . 13

Bibliography . 14

Figure 1 – Example of different line thickness . 8
Figure 2 – Example of rounded corner . 9
Figure 3 – Example of filled areas . 9
Figure 4 – Example of interrupted lines . 9
Figure 5 – Example of application of negation for a standarized graphical symbol. 10
Figure 6 – Example of application to single direction movement . 11
Figure 7 – Example of a graphical symbol the meaning of which is independent of its
orientation . 11
Figure 8 – Example of a graphical symbol the meaning of which depends upon its
orientation . 11
Figure 9 – Example of a graphical symbol the meaning of which depend upon its
orientation . 12
Figure 10 – Example for a reference to the intended orientation of a graphical symbol
to avoid ambiguity . 12
Figure 11 – Examples of arrows . 10
Figure 12 – Example of mirroring . 12

80416-3  IEC:2002+A1:2011 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS
FOR USE ON EQUIPMENT –
Part 3: Guidelines for the application of graphical symbols
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
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5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
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services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendment has been prepared
for user convenience.
IEC 80416-3 edition 1.1 contains the first edition (2002) [documents 3C/917/FDIS and 3C/988/
RVD] and its amendment 1 (2011) [documents 3C/1687/CDV and 3C/1711/RVC].
A vertical line in the margin shows where the base publication has been modified by
amendment 1. Additions and deletions are displayed in red, with deletions being struck
through.
– 4 – 80416-3  IEC:2002+A1:2011
International Standard IEC 80416-3 has been prepared by IEC subcommittee 3C: Graphical
symbols for use on equipment, of IEC technical committee 3: Information structures,
documentation and graphical symbols.
This International Standard has been prepared in co-operation with ISO/TC 145.
In order to collect all requirements concerning relevant basic principles within one single
numerical series, ISO technical committee 145: Graphical symbols and IEC technical
committee 3 agreed to publish all parts of this International Standard within the 80416 series.
The Technical Management Board of ISO and the Committee of Action of IEC have decided
that, for each part of this series, one organization shall be chosen responsible. The technical
committees involved have agreed not to change any part of International Standard 80416
without mutual agreement.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
International Standard 80416 consists of the following parts, under the general title Basic
principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment:
Part 1: 2001, Creation of symbol originals (published by IEC)
Part 2: 2001, Form and use of arrows (published by ISO)
Part 3: Guidelines for the application of graphical symbols (published by IEC)
Part 4: Supplementary guidelines for the adaptation of graphical symbols on
screen and displays (icons) (under consideration, and to be published
by ISO)
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendments will
remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under
"http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the
publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The “colour inside” logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this publication using a colour printer.

80416-3  IEC:2002+A1:2011 – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
A graphical symbol is a visually perceptible figure used to transmit information independently
of language. Graphical symbols are used on equipment for a wide range of purposes. For
such symbols, consistency in the design of families of symbols used in one location or on
similar equipment is an important issue. Equally important is the legibility of symbols when
they are reduced to small dimensions. Thus, there is a need to standardize the principles for
creating graphical symbols for use on equipment to ensure visual clarity and consistency, and
thereby to improve recognition.
This multi-part standard addresses the basic rules used to create graphical symbols for use
on equipment, including line thickness, form and use of arrows, negation elements, and use of
the basic pattern which serves as a guideline for drawing. These design principles are
required to be used for all graphical symbols for use on equipment which are standardized in
ISO 7000 and IEC 60417.
A graphical symbol is defined as a visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning used
to transmit information independently of language. 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.
The IEC 80416 series is a multi-part international 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).
IEC 80416-3 has been produced to provide the guidelines required when graphical symbols
are applied on equipment for use in a specific context, for supporting documentation and for
other International Standards.

– 6 – 80416-3  IEC:2002+A1:2011
BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS
FOR USE ON EQUIPMENT –
Part 3: Guidelines for the application of graphical symbols

1 Scope
International Standard 80416 is a multi-part standard which provides principles and guidelines
for the creation and application of graphical symbols for use on equipment.
This part of IEC 80416 provides guidelines for the application of graphical symbols for use on
equipment in order to maintain visual clarity and overall consistency when such graphical
symbols are applied. It stipulates the permissible extent by which a symbol original may be
modified in reproduction for actual use on equipment.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 80416-1:2008, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 1:
Creation of graphical symbols originals for registration
ISO 80416-2, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 2: Form and
use of arrows
ISO/FDIS 3864-1:2001, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 1: Design
principles for safety signs in workplaces and public areas
ISO 3864-1, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 1: Design principles
for safety signs and safety markings
ISO 3864-2, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 2: Design principles
for product safety labels
IEC 60073, Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification –
Coding principles for indication devices and actuators
ISO/DIS 7010:2001, Graphical symbols – Safety signs in workplaces and public areas
ISO 7010, Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Safety signs used in
workplaces and public areas
ISO 7000, Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Index and synopsis
———————
New edition to be published.
The ISO 7000 collection of graphical symbols for use on equipment is also available online, either separately or
jointly with the IEC 60417 collection of graphical symbols for use on equipment. ISO Catalogue provides further
information on this regard.
80416-3  IEC:2002+A1:2011 – 7 –
ISO 80416-4, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 4:
Guidelines for the adaptation of graphical symbols for use on screens and displays (icons)
IEC 60417 (all parts), Graphical symbols for use on equipment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this part of IEC 80416, the following definitions apply together with
the terms defined in IEC 80416-1:
3.1
nominal size
50 mm; the lateral dimension of the basic square 2 as shown in the basic pattern in
IEC 80416-1
3.2
symbol original
drawing of a graphical symbol, prepared in accordance with IEC 80416-1, used for reference
or reproduction purposes
4 Area of application
4.1 Equipment
Graphical symbols may, for example, be printed, engraved, embossed, or moulded on the
equipment. The technology used to reproduce a graphical symbol and apply it to a piece of
equipment may have an influence on its size and appearance. There may be a need to modify
the symbol original in order to ensure visual clarity provided that the original meaning is
retained.
4.2 Screens and displays
Symbol originals may need to be modified to take into account restrictions imposed by
appearing on a screen or display. In this application, ISO 80416-4 shall be taken into
consideration.
NOTE 1 ISO 80416-4 (under consideration) gives supplementary guidelines for the adaptation of graphical
symbols for use on screens and displays (icons)
NOTE 2 IEC 60073 gives basic and safety principles for man-machine interface on screens and displays.
4.3 Supporting documentation
Graphical symbols reproduced in supporting documentation shall convey the same graphical
impression as those used on the equipment.
4.4 International Standards
If International Standards prepared by technical committees contain standardized graphical
symbols or suitably modified graphical symbols for specific applications, the graphical symbol
shall be illustrated together with the registration number and title obtained from either
ISO 7000 or IEC 60417.
In cases where modified graphical symbols in accordance with this part of IEC 80416 are
adopted, the text "modified" shall be shown under the registration number.
NOTE International standards may also contain graphical symbols for diagrams. In such cases, IEC 60617
database and ISO/FDIS 14617 should be consulted.

– 8 – 80416-3  IEC:2002+A1:2011
5 Size of graphical symbols in use
Symbol originals created on the basis of IEC 80416-1 and ISO 80416-2 and standardized in
IEC 60417 and ISO 7000 have a visual impression of size corresponding to the nominal size
50 mm. The symbol original to be applied on equipment may therefore be reduced or enlarged
to obtain a graphical symbol in a desired size.
The minimum reduced or enlarged size S (mm), corresponding to the nominal size (50 mm),
of a reproduced graphical symbol in relation to the intended viewing distance L (mm) may be
determined by the following equation to ensure visual clarity.
S= L
6 Modification of symbol originals for application
6.1 Modification according to design
To coordinate with the design requirements of equipment, it may be necessary and is allowed:
a) to change the line thickness;
b) to round the corners;
c) to fill areas;
d) to interrupt crossing lines.
a) to change the line width;
b) to round the corners;
c) to fill areas;
d) to interrupt crossing lines;
e) to adapt distances between graphical elements;
f) to adapt the relative proportions of graphical elements;
g) to modify the type of arrow.
If several graphical symbols are applied together, it can be necessary and it is permitted to
adjust their relative sizes and positions in order to achieve a balanced appearance on the
equipment.
These changes shall only be made to the extent that the basic communicative characteristics
of the graphical symbol remain unchanged.
6.2 Line thickness
The thickness of the lines may be changed as in the example in figure 1.

IEC 60417-5009: IEC 60417-5009 applied with
Stand-by different line thickness
Figure 1 – Example of different line thickness

80416-3  IEC:2002+A1:2011 – 9 –
6.3 Rounded corner of graphical symbols
Rounded corners are permitted as in the example in figure 2.

IEC 60417-5399: IEC 60417-5399 applied with
Patient support, rotation about rounded corners
an orthogonal axis
Figure 2 – Example of rounded corner
6.4 Filled areas
White areas may be filled as in the example in figure 3.

IEC 60417-5459: Eject IEC 60417-5459 applied
with filled areas
Figure 3 – Example of filled areas
6.5 Interruption of crossing lines
Crossing lines may be interrupted as in the example in figure 4.

IEC 60417-5530: IEC 60417-5530 applied with
Colour video output interrupted line
Figure 4 – Example of interrupted lines

– 10 – 80416-3  IEC:2002+A1:2011
6.6 Modification of arrow type
The arrow type may be modified as in the examples given in Figure 11.

(a) IEC 60417-5964 (b) IEC 60417-5964 (c) IEC 60417-5964
(2005-06): applied with closed arrow applied with filled arrows
X-ray source, heads and no arrow shafts
longitudinal movement
Figure 11 – Examples of arrows
7 Negation
The meaning of a graphical symbol may be negated using a cross of line thickness 2 mm
formed by two diagonal bars at right angles as defined in 6.9 of IEC 80416-1. The bars of
the negation cross shall be continuous. An example is shown in figure 5. As an exception,
for purpose of visual clarity only, the angle at which the diagonal bars meet may deviate
from 90-degree.
The meaning of graphical symbols registered in ISO 7000 and IEC 60417 may also be
negated when they are applied. The method and the meaning of negation should be in
agreement with IEC 80416-1:2008, 7.9.

ISO 7000-0793: ISO 7000-0793 applied with
Print out negation cross for “Print out,
cancel”
Figure 5 – Example of application of negation for a standarized graphical symbol
The red circle with the red negation bar as defined in ISO/FDIS 3864-1:2001 for safety
applications shall not be used for negation of graphical symbols for use on equipment.
An application of a circle with a diagonal bar defined in ISO 3864-1 to graphical symbols
denotes a ‘prohibition’. Therefore, a circle combined with a diagonal bar, in any colour
including black and white, shall not be used for other meaning than prohibition.
8 Arrows
Where two arrowheads are used in the symbol original to indicate direction of movement in
opposite directions, one of the arrowheads may be omitted in order to indicate a single
direction of movement as shown in the example in figure 6.

80416-3  IEC:2002+A1:2011 – 11 –

IEC 60417-5395: IEC 60417-5395 applied to refer IEC 60417-5395 applied to refer
Patient support, orthogonal to single direction movement to single direction movement
movement to its plane meaning “Patient support, meaning “Patient support,
vertical movement, up” vertical movement, down”
Figure 6 – Example of application to single direction movement
Alternative forms of arrow may be used in line with the principles of ISO 80416-2.
9 Change in meaning depending on orientation of graphical symbol
9.1 Orientation
Graphical symbols should normally be used in the orientation specified in the symbol original.
However, graphical symbols may be used in any orientation providing that the original
meaning is retained.
If there is no conflict of meaning, the orientation may be changed to take account of the
requirements of the equipment or the given reference system as shown in the example in
figure 7.
If there is no conflict of meaning, the orientation may be changed or the graphical symbol or
part of it may be presented in a mirrored position in order to take the equipment or the given
reference system into account, as shown in the examples in Figures 7 and 12.

IEC 60417-5657: IEC 60417-5657 rotated for
Mixing of substances mixing of substances
Figure 7 – Example of a graphical symbol the meaning of which
is independent of its orientation
Where the description of the graphical symbol states that the specified orientation is critical to
the meaning, the graphical symbol shall only be used in this orientation, as shown in figure 8.

IEC 60417-5006: IEC 60417-5007:
Minus; negative polarity “ON” (power)
Figure 8 – Example of a graphical symbol the meaning
of which depends upon its orientation

– 12 – 80416-3  IEC:2002+A1:2011

ISO 7000-2674 (2008-10): ISO 7000-2674, applied
Glare prevention, exterior mirrored for right hand side
mirror, horizontal mirror
Figure 12 – Example of mirroring
In certain cases, the orientation may be changed to indicate a variation of meaning, as shown
in figure 9 in which IEC 60417-5108 is used as for “fast run forward” and for “fast run rewind”
depending on its orientation.
IEC 60417-5108B: IEC 60417-5108B applied to
Fast run; fast speed refer to “Fast run, rewind”
Figure 9 – Example of a graphical symbol the meaning
of which depend upon its orientation
9.2 Application dependent orientation
The meaning of each graphical symbol may depend upon its orientation in a particular context
of use and care should be taken to avoid ambiguity The meaning of a graphical symbol can
depend upon its orientation in a particular context of use and care should be taken to avoid
ambiguity. For example, the graphical symbols in figure 10 could be misinterpreted when they
are applied on equipment with no fixed orientation or on rotating
...