IEC 80416-1:2008

IEC 80416-1
Edition 2.0 2008-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment –
Part 1: Creation of graphical symbols for registration

Principes de base pour les symboles graphiques utilisables sur le matériel –
Partie 1: Création des symboles graphiques pour enregistrement

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IEC 80416-1
Edition 2.0 2008-11
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment –
Part 1: Creation of graphical symbols for registration

Principes de base pour les symboles graphiques utilisables sur le matériel –
Partie 1: Création des symboles graphiques pour enregistrement

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
S
CODE PRIX
ICS 01.080.01 ISBN 2-8318-1013-8

– 2 – 80416-1 © IEC:2008
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.3
INTRODUCTION.5
1 Scope.6
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms and definitions .7
4 Creation procedures .8
5 Meaning .8
5.1 Assignment .8
5.2 Orientation of the graphical symbols.8
6 Combination of graphical symbols .9
7 Creation principles .9
7.1 Creation of symbol original .9
7.2 Design guidelines.10
7.3 Line width.10
7.4 Spacing.11
7.5 Angles.11
7.6 Filled areas .11
7.7 Symbol original with arrows.12
7.8 Characters as symbol elements.12
7.9 Negation .12
7.9.1 Methods of negation .12
7.9.2 Angle of negation .12
7.9.3 Meaning of negation .12
7.9.4 Negation as prohibition.12
8 Basic pattern .13
8.1 Structure .13
8.2 Application of the basic pattern .13
8.3 Specification of symbol original .14
Annex A (normative) Title, description and notes .16
Annex B (informative) Guidance for the wording of the description for a symbol original .18
Annex C (informative) Designation systems .21
Bibliography.22

Figure 1 – Graphical symbols in different orientation.9
Figure 2 – Example of combination of graphical symbols (IEC 60417-5049: “Television”
combined with IEC 60417-5048: “Colour” to give IEC 60417-5050: “Colour television”).9
Figure 3 – Basic pattern.10
Figure 4 – Examples of the use of line width .11
Figure 5 – Examples of negation.12
Figure 6 – Example of non-permitted line beyond the basic pattern.13
Figure 7 – Application examples .14
Figure 8 – Example of the graphical symbol.15

80416-1 © IEC:2008 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR GRAPHICAL
SYMBOLS FOR USE ON EQUIPMENT –

Part 1: Creation of graphical symbols for registration

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
the latter.
5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
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expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
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.
International Standard IEC 80416-1 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/TC145/SC 3.
It is published as a double logo standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2001. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) Clause 8 in the previous edition is moved to Clause 4;

– 4 – 80416-1 © IEC:2008
b) Mandatory requirement for the line width in symbol originals is changed to 2 mm or 4 mm
th
(see 6 paragraph of 7.3);
c) For negation of a graphical symbol, a single diagonal bar is allowed in addition to two
diagonal bars at right angles;
d) A new meaning of negation “do not” is allowed;
e) Some freedom is given for use of the basic pattern such as for symbol originals to be
within the 75 mm square instead of the octagon;
f) Annex A (normative) is newly introduced for provisions on title, description and notes;
g) The nature of notes is changed to be purely informative; and
h) Clause 10 in the previous edition is moved to Annex C (informative).
It has the status of a horizontal standard in accordance with IEC Guide 108.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
3C/1590/FDIS 3C/1609/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table. In ISO, the standard has been approved by 7 P members
out of 7 having cast a vote.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
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 Standardization Management Board of IEC
have decided that, for each part of this series, one organisation shall be chosen responsible.
The technical committees involved have agreed not to change any part of International
Standard 80416 without mutual agreement.
International Standard 80416 consists of the following parts, published under the general title
Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment:
Creation of graphical symbols for registration (published by IEC)
Part 1: 2008,
Part 2: 2001, Form and use of arrows (published by ISO)
Guidelines for the application of graphical symbols (published by
Part 3: 2002,
IEC)
Part 4: 2005, Guidelines for the adaptation of graphical symbols for use on screen
and displays (icons) (published by ISO)
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result 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.
80416-1 © IEC:2008 – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
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.
International Standard 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).
This part of the multi-part standard 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. They are required for graphical symbols for registration in IEC 60417 and
ISO 7000.
It is recommended that symbol originals intended for specific fields of application are also
published in the appropriate technical product standard.

– 6 – 80416-1 © IEC:2008
BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR GRAPHICAL
SYMBOLS FOR USE ON EQUIPMENT –

Part 1: Creation of graphical symbols for registration

1 Scope
This part of IEC 80416 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).
IEC 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).
IEC 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.
This horizontal standard is primarily intended for use by technical committees in the
preparation of standards in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 108.
One of the responsibilities of a technical committee is, wherever applicable, to make use of
horizontal standards in the preparation of its publications. The contents of this horizontal
standard will not apply unless specifically referred to or included in the relevant publications.
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 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment
ISO/IEC Guide 71, Guidelines for standards developers to address the needs of older persons
and persons with disabilities
ISO/IEC Guide 74, Graphical symbols – Technical guidelines for the consideration of
consumers' needs
ISO 7000, Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Index and synopsis

80416-1 © IEC:2008 – 7 –
ISO 80416-2, Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment – Part 2: Form and
use of arrows
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
basic line width
line width used to draw the most significant part of a symbol original; 2 mm or 4 mm
3.2
description
normative text which defines the purpose, the application and the use of the graphical symbol,
and optional product area
3.3
equipment
associated assemblies intended to achieve a defined final objective
3.4
graphical symbol
visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning used to transmit information
independently of language
3.5
graphical symbol element
part of a graphical symbol which is used with a particular meaning in more than one graphical
symbol
NOTE 1 Letters, numerals, punctuation marks and mathematical symbols may be used as graphical symbol
elements (see ISO 31 and IEC 60027).
NOTE 2 A graphical symbol element with a specific meaning may be used to provide a common concept in the
construction of a symbol family.
3.6
graphical symbol for registration
draft symbol original including the basic pattern, title, description and optional notes
3.7
nominal size
50 mm; the lateral dimension of the basic square 2 as shown in the basic pattern
3.8
symbol original
drawing of a graphical symbol, including the corner markings, prepared in accordance with
IEC 80416-1 and, where appropriate, ISO 80416-2, and registered in IEC 60417 or ISO 7000
3.9
title
unique name by which a graphical symbol is identified and spoken of
NOTE The title should be as short as possible; it is only intended to provide a unique name for the graphical
symbol and, where appropriate, another name(s), but not to describe its application.

– 8 – 80416-1 © IEC:2008
4 Creation procedures
A designer considering the creation of a graphical symbol should become familiar with the
context of use of the intended symbol and then follow the following steps:
a) define clearly the purpose and meaning of the graphical symbol – i.e. will it be used to
identify equipment, indicate a functional state, designate a connection, provide information
on packaging, provide instructions on the operation of equipment, or a combination of
these;
b) identify the users of the graphical symbol (see ISO/IEC Guide 74) and any special needs
(see ISO/IEC Guide 71) and legal requirements;
c) ascertain whether an existing graphical symbol will fulfil the specifications and
requirements by checking IEC 60417 and ISO 7000;
d) where it is clear that a suitable graphical symbol does not exist, design a new graphical
symbol in accordance with the provisions of Clause 7 and Clause 8, and, where
appropriate:
1) identify any cultural and ethnic sensibilities and prohibitions that are relevant and take
them into account;
2) consider the effect on legibility of adding a negation cross or diagonal bar and make
any necessary adjustments to the design;
3) take into account the relationship with any other symbols, symbol elements and
symbol families and the related visual concept;
4) ensure that the design does not lend itself to an unintended or ambiguous meaning.
e) undertake an assessment of the legibility, perceptual quality, and comprehensibility of the
newly designed graphical symbol and adjust the design if the results are not satisfactory;
f)  create a unique title for the graphical symbol; and
g) create a clear and unambiguous description of the graphical symbol and any operational
requirements (the latter will be included in the description).
Requirements for title, description and notes are given in Annex A.
5 Meaning
5.1 Assignment
The meaning assigned to each registered graphical symbol is the result of associating a title,
a symbol original and a description. The assigned meaning should be unambiguous and clear.
5.2 Orientation of the graphical symbols
Graphical symbols should normally be used in the orientation specified by the symbol
originals. Care should be taken to avoid ambiguity in the case of a graphical symbol where its
meaning depends on the orientation. Such ambiguity could occur, for instance, when
graphical symbols are placed on rotary knobs. Symbol originals should whenever possible be
created so as to preserve their meaning in any orientation as the example a) in Figure 1.
However, when the meaning of a graphical symbol does depend on its orientation, as in the
case of the examples b) in Figure 1, this shall be explicitly stated in the description of the
symbol original.
80416-1 © IEC:2008 – 9 –
ISO 7000-0414: Cores in moulding position
a) Example of a graphical symbol the meaning of which is independent of its orientation

IEC 60417-5091: IEC 60417-5092:
High-pass filter Low-pass filter
b) Examples of graphical symbols the meaning of which depends upon their orientation
Figure 1 – Graphical symbols in different orientation
NOTE Designation systems for symbol originals in IEC 60417 and ISO 7000 are given in Annex C.
6 Combination of graphical symbols
To represent certain concepts, graphical symbols or graphical symbol elements may be com-
bined to form a new symbol original. The meaning assigned to the new graphical symbol shall
be consistent with the meanings of the individual graphical symbols or graphical symbol
elements. See the example shown in Figure 2.

IEC 60417-5050: Colour television
Figure 2 – Example of combination of graphical symbols
(IEC 60417-5049: “Television” combined with IEC 60417-5048: “Colour” to give
IEC 60417-5050: “Colour television”)
7 Creation principles
7.1 Creation of symbol original
A symbol original shall be created within the basic pattern shown in Figure 3, taking into
account the requirements given in Clause 8. These guidelines and requirements apply equally
to graphical symbols submitted for registration to IEC 60417 and ISO 7000.

– 10 – 80416-1 © IEC:2008
nominal size
Reference Description
1 Square of 75 mm lateral length, forming the largest horizontal and vertical dimensions of the basic
pattern and divided into a grid of 12,5 mm line spacing.
2 Basic square of 50 mm lateral length. This dimension is equal to the nominal size, 50 mm, of the
symbol original.
3 Basic circle of 56,6 mm diameter, having approximately the same surface area as the basic square 2.
4 Circle of 50 mm diameter, being the inscribed circle of the basic square 2.
5, 6 Two rectangles having the same surface area as the basic square 2, a width of 40 mm and a height
of 62,5 mm. They are mutually perpendicular, each drawn to cross symmetrically opposite sides of
the basic square 2.
7 Basic square 2 of 50 mm rotated by 45°.
8 Octagon formed by lines at 15° to the outer sides of grid 1.

NOTE The basic pattern as templates for drawing software can be downloaded from the IEC web site
(http://sc3c.iec.ch) and the ISO web site (http://www.iso.ch/tc145/sc3).
Figure 3 – Basic pattern
7.2 Design guidelines
The design of a symbol original should be:
a) simple, in order to facilitate perception and reproduction;
b) readily distinguishable from those of other graphical symbols with which it may be used;
c) easily associated with its intended meaning, that is either self-evident or easily learned;
d) such that it can be produced by usual manufacturing and reproduction methods.
NOTE 1 Particular attention should be given to avoiding unnecessary detail and complexity in the creation of the
graphical symbol to prevent poor legibility where the intended size of reproduction of the graphical symbol is small,
for example on a small key cap, or the viewing distance is large.
NOTE 2 In practice, to improve the appearance and perceptibility of a symbol original in use, or to coordinate with
the design of the equipment to which it is to be applied, it may be necessary to modify symbol originals in
accordance with IEC 80416-3 and ISO 80416-4.
7.3 Line width
A symbol original shall be drawn using the basic line width, 2 mm or 4 mm.

80416-1 © IEC:2008 – 11 –
Reasons for choosing 2 mm include the existence of related graphical symbols which are
already registered or design complexity which makes it impossible to draw the symbol in
4 mm.
Reasons for choosing 4 mm include the existence of related graphical symbols which are
already registered or the avoidance of unnecessary detail and complexity in order to achieve
a simple design for easier recognition.
A combination of both line widths may be used to emphasize parts of the graphical symbol or
to increase visual clarity. An example is shown in Figure 4.
If graphically necessary, parts of the symbol original may be drawn using other line widths
greater than 2 mm, e.g. for depicting shapes.
In exceptional cases, a symbol original may be drawn using line widths other than the basic
line width to be consistent with already standardized graphical symbols in ISO 7000 or
IEC 60417 which are covered by technical regulations.
Versions of the same graphical symbol using a 2 mm and a 4 mm basic line width may be
registered.
IEC 60417-5063: Horizontal picture shift
Figure 4 – Examples of the use of line width
7.4 Spacing
The minimum spacing between lines of a symbol original shall be chosen to take into account
visual clarity and the reproduction methods to be used. The minimum space between parallel
lines shall be 3 mm.
7.5 Angles
Angles smaller than 30° in a symbol original should be avoided.
7.6 Filled areas
Filled areas in a symbol original should be avoided except when the meaning or legibility of
the symbol original requires that an area is filled.

– 12 – 80416-1 © IEC:2008
7.7 Symbol original with arrows
For a symbol original which incorporates arrows, the principles in ISO 80416-2 shall apply.
7.8 Characters as symbol elements
For constituent elements of symbol originals such as letters, numbers, punctuation marks and
mathematical symbols, a simple character form should be used. The minimum character
height in the symbol original should be 10 mm.
NOTE The font shown in a symbol original is not restrictive; other fonts may be used provided legibility is
maintained.
7.9 Negation
7.9.1 Methods of negation
Negation shall be indicated by a cross of lines formed by two diagonal bars at right angles, as
in the examples a) and c) in Figure 5. In exceptional cases, only for visual clarity, a single
diagonal bar as in the example b) in Figure 5 may be used.
NOTE The standardization of the negated symbol original is only necessary if the negated version represents a
specific meaning.
a) IEC 60417-5576: b) ISO 7000-2259: Trencher,
c) IEC 60417-5109: Not to be
Bell cancel digging chain, disengage
used in residential areas
Figure 5 – Examples of negation
7.9.2 Angle of negation
For purposes of visual clarity only, the angle at which the diagonal bars meet to form the
negation cross may deviate from 90° and the angle of the single diagonal negation bar may
deviate from 45°.
7.9.3 Meaning of negation
The negation symbol elements can be used to indicate the non-availability of a function due to
cancellation by the user or for operational reasons, as shown in examples a) and b) of Figure
5. The negation symbol elements may also be used to indicate required behaviour (such as
“do not”) as in example c) of Figure 5.
7.9.4 Negation as prohibition
A circle combined with a diagonal bar is defined in ISO 3864-1 for use in safety applications
to denote a ’prohibition’. Therefore, a circle combined with a diagonal bar, in any colour
including black and white, shall not be used for the negation of graphical symbols for use on
equipment.
80416-1 © IEC:2008 – 13 –
8 Basic pattern
8.1 Structure
The basic pattern shown in Figure 3 shall be used as the basis for the creation of a symbol
original (see 8.2). It is used as a tool for the design of a symbol original to ensure a balanced
visual impression among the graphical symbols.
8.2 Application of the basic pattern
A symbol original should fit into the basic pattern according to the following principles:
a) for a symbol original consisting of a single geometrical form, such as a circle, a square or
a rectangle, the corresponding geometrical forms of the basic pattern described in Figure
3 should be used;
b) for other symbol originals, care should be taken to ensure that the symbol originals have
the same visual impression and uniformity and are consistent with related symbols in
IEC 60417 and ISO 7000;
c) the key element in the basic pattern, with regard to the nominal size, is the 50 mm basic
square 2. The basic circle 3 and the rectangles 5 and 6 have the same surface area.
Circles without external parts should therefore be drawn on the basic circle 3, and
rectangles should be drawn on the rectangles 5 and 6, in order to achieve the same visual
impression of size as the basic square 2 of 50 mm. Circles with external graphical symbol
elements should be drawn on the circle 4;
d) symbol originals should be created to the largest size possible, in line with the above
principles, and should not exceed the octagon 8 by more than half of the line width. In
exceptional cases necessitated by a combination of symbol elements, the symbol original
may further extend beyond the octagon 8. Symbol originals shall not extend beyond the
75 mm square 1 of the basic pattern;
e) insofar as it is practicable, the lines of the symbol original should be centred on the lines
of the basic pattern. However, the outer border of the lines shall not exceed the 75 mm
square 1 as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6 – Example of non-permitted line beyond the basic pattern

– 14 – 80416-1 © IEC:2008
Some examples of application of the basic pattern are shown in Figure 7.

a) IEC 60417-5307: b) IEC 60417-5084: c) IEC 60417-5184: d) IEC 60417-5056:
Alarm, general Amplifier Clock; time switch; timer Brightness; brilliance

e) IEC 60417-5396: f) IEC 60417-5604: g) IEC 60417-5570: h) IEC 60417-5027:
Patient support Curtains Unlock Effect of action

i) IEC 60417-5180:
j) ISO 7000-0679: k) ISO 7000-0524: l) ISO 7000-1103:
Class III equipment
Reduction Water energy Rotating brush

o) ISO 7000-0709:
m) ISO 7000-0247: n) ISO 7000-0087: p) ISO 7000-0944:
Double original / master
Battery charging condition Windscreen washer and Fast run; high speed
fault
wiper; windshield washer
and wiper
Figure 7 – Application examples
8.3 Specification of symbol original
A symbol original is a drawing of the graphical symbol, including the corner markings as
shown in Figure 8. The corner markings correspond to the corners of the 75 mm square 1 in
Figure 3 and are used to facilitate accurate positioning and scaling of the symbol original.
Each of the corner markings consists of a vertical line and a horizontal line, each of 6 mm
length, which are joined to delineate one corner of the basic pattern.

80416-1 © IEC:2008 – 15 –
IEC 60417-5014: Horn
NOTE The size of a graphical symbol as an application of symbol original can be increased or reduced by re-
scaling accordingly. See also IEC 80416-3.
Figure 8 – Example of the graphical symbol

– 16 – 80416-1 © IEC:2008
Annex A
(normative)
Title, description and notes
A.1 Title
A title should be a noun or a noun phrase. It shall be unique, i.e. not be the same as those
already used in IEC 60417 and ISO 7000.
If there is a need for more than one title, the titles shall be separated with the punctuation
mark semicolon.
Examples: Live working; double triangle
Clock; time switch; timer
Fast run; high speed
Lamp; lighting; illumination
In order to enable a title phrase to be used with more than one symbol original, a modifier
shall be introduced after the title with the punctuation mark comma.
Examples: Battery, general
Tractor with towed implement, implement width
Colour temperature, fluorescent lamp
Colour temperature, sunrise/sunset
Trencher, digging boom, raise
Trencher, digging boom, lower
A.2 Description
The description, together with the title and any optional notes, defines the meaning of a
symbol original. It shall be based on the criteria set out in Clause 1 and Clause 4 and include
the essential and normative information relevant to the graphical symbol.
The description shall provide enough detail to understand the intended use of the graphical
symbol and provide any essential specific information relevant to its meaning or use. In the
case of graphical symbols intended for specialist users, non-specialist users should at least
be able to identify the product area.
The description may start with the indication that the graphical symbol is primarily intended for
use in a particular product area. If so, this shall be a phrase of the form as shown in the
following examples.
Examples: On radiological equipment for tomography.
On a video camera or still photography equipment.

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The main phrase of the description should be of the form as shown in the following examples.
Examples: To identify the control of …
To identify the controls and terminals for …
To identify the switch or switch position for …
To identify the control or the indicator to …
To identify the indicator for …
To indicate that …
To indicate a reference to …
To provide handling information for …
To provide information on packaging …
NOTE 1 Annex B provides more detailed guidance and examples on how to write the descriptions.
If more information of normative nature needs to be given, for example related to:
– possible graphical modifications;
– restrictions on the use of the graphical symbol;
– colour requirements, or
– specific meaning on a special type of equipment;
then this information shall be added after the main phrases of the description.
Examples: To represent a rotation in one direction only, the other arrow may be omitted.
The triangles may be filled in.
This graphical symbol may be mirrored for …
The symbol MMMM shall be used in conjunction with the symbol NNNN.
In case of application in a warning sign the rules according to ISO 3864-1 shall be adhered
to.
This graphical symbol shall not be used for appliances of class III construction having a
working voltage up to 24 V.
This symbol should be used in the orientation shown.
If this graphical symbol is reproduced in colour, the colours of the dots shall be red (left),
blue (top) and green (right).
On medical electrical equipment, the graphical symbol is used to indicate …
The symbol shall be used in the orientation shown.
NOTE 2 A normative nature is typically expressed by the use of the defined terms shall, should, or may.
A.3 Notes
Supplementary non-normative information, for example, related to the intended use of the
graphical symbol, may be added as a note or notes.
Examples: See also symbol NNNN.
See also symbols NNNN, NNNN and NNNN.
The use of this graphical symbol is specified in IEC XXXXX.
The meaning of this graphical symbol depends on its orientation (see symbol NNNN).

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Annex B
(informative)
Guidance for the wording of the description for a symbol original

B.1 Basic guidance
The following provides examples on how a description is worded. The examples are
descriptions that could be applicable to a symbol original with the title “Brake”.
It is assumed that the intended user of the graphical symbol has sufficient knowledge about
what a brake is and that an explanation of brakes and braking actions is not necessary, i.e.
the examples are of minimum length. Where this is not the case, further explanation will be
necessary about:
– what happens when a control is operated;
– what message an indication is intended to convey; or
– under what circumstances a symbol can be used or shall not be used.
The definite article should be used instead of the indefinite article, for example “the brake”
instead of “a brake”. The singular form should be used instead of the plural form, for example
“brake” instead of “brakes” (even if a car normally has four brakes).
NOTE The most recent guidance for the wording of the description for a symbol original can be found on both the
ISO TC 145/SC 3 and the IEC TC 3/SC 3C websites.
B.2 Guidance by elaborated examples
The following provides guidance by elaborated examples that could be applicable to a symbol
original with the title “Brake”.
a) If the graphical symbol only identifies equipment or a part of the equipment:
To identify the brake.
b) If the graphical symbol is used on a control, as an indicator, or both, and the meaning of
the graphical symbol is the same for both, it will be described as follows:
To identify the control for the brake.
or
To identify the control or the indicator for the brake.
or
To identify the control or the indicator for braking a movement.
or
To identify the control to activate the brake or to indicate that the brake is active.
or
To identify the control to brake a movement or to indicate that the movement is braked.
c) If the graphical symbol only identifies an indicator:
To indicate that the brake can be used.
or
To indicate that the brake is active.

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d) If there are two different meanings of identification and indication:
To identify the brake or to indicate a brake malfunction.
e) If there are two different meanings of control and indication:
To identify the control for the emergency brake or to indicate that the emergency brake
can now be operated (is ready for use).
f) If there are three different meanings:
To identify the main brake cylinder, to identify the control for activating the brake, or to
indicate a brake malfunction.
g) If a special meaning is indicated by a coloured or flashing symbol (not so much to be
associated with the symbol itself but with the aspect of how it is used):
To identify the main brake cylinder, or to identify the control or the indicator for the brake.
If used flashing and/or in combination with red colour or on a red background, the symbol
indicates a brake system malfunction.
h) If the graphical symbol is used for an operating mode:
To identify the control or the indicator for the operating mode in which the brakes are
continuously activated and adjusted for a constant effect.
i) If the graphical symbol can be used in many different ways and aspects:
To indicate a reference to a brake.
or
To indicate a reference to a brake, for example identification, operation, connection.
or
To indicate a reference to a brake, for example identification of the emergency brake
handle.
j) If the graphical symbol is primarily intended for use in a particular product area and use
in other areas may be inappropriate, to be added before the main phrase of the
description:
On road vehicles.
or
On fire fighting and rescue service equipment.
k) If the graphical symbol is for general use
...