SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011
(Amendment)Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment - Part 3: Guidelines for the application of graphical symbols (IEC 80416-3:2002/A1:2011)
- Abstract
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.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 14-Sep-2011
- Technical Committee
- EDO - Documentation and graphical symbols
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 30-Aug-2011
- Due Date
- 04-Nov-2011
- Completion Date
- 15-Sep-2011
SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 is the Slovenian adoption of EN 80416-3:2002/A1:2011, based on IEC 80416-3:2002/A1:2011 from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It gives guidelines for applying graphical symbols on equipment so they remain visually clear and consistent, and it defines how far a symbol original may be modified in actual use. It is meant for people who create, place, adapt, or check graphical symbols on equipment and related displays.
What does SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 specify?
SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 specifies how graphical symbols for use on equipment may be applied in practice without losing their meaning. The document focuses on preserving recognition, while allowing limited adaptations for the equipment, the layout, or the medium.
The body of the document is organized around scope, normative references, terms and definitions, application on screens and displays, modification, negation, arrows, orientation, and use of colour. Annex ZA gives the normative references and their corresponding European publications.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| ZA | Normative references to international publications with corresponding European publications |
What are the key requirements of SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011?
SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 allows controlled adaptation of a graphical symbol original, but only when the basic communicative characteristics stay unchanged. In practice, that means the symbol can be adjusted for the equipment, but it must still be readable and understood as the same symbol.
Permitted modifications
Clause 6.1 allows changes to line width, rounded corners, filled areas, interrupted crossing lines, distances between graphical elements, relative proportions, and arrow type. If several symbols are used together, their relative sizes and positions may also be adjusted so the overall result looks balanced. This matters when symbols must fit panels, labels, or compact device surfaces.
Use of arrows
Clause 6.6 adds examples of modified arrow types, including closed arrow heads and filled arrows without shafts. The practical point is that arrow style can be adapted, but the arrow still has to convey the intended direction or movement.
Negation and prohibition
Clause 7 states that the meaning of registered symbols in ISO 7000 and IEC 60417 may be negated, but the method should follow IEC 80416-1:2008, 7.9. It also makes clear that a circle with a diagonal bar means prohibition and shall not be used for any other meaning. This avoids confusion between negation and a prohibition sign.
Orientation and mirroring
Clause 9.1 allows a symbol or part of it to be changed in orientation or mirrored when there is no conflict of meaning. Clause 9.2 warns that a symbol’s meaning can depend on its orientation in context, so the user must check for ambiguity. This is important when the equipment layout forces a left-hand or right-hand presentation.
Colour and screens
Clause 10 points users to ISO 3864-1, ISO 3864-2, IEC 60073, and ISO 7010 for colour use. Clause 4.2 says ISO 80416-4 should be taken into consideration for screens and displays. That means the document links symbol application with colour coding and with adaptation for icons on displays.
What terms does SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 define?
A graphical symbol is a visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning used to transmit information independently of language. That is the central object of the standard.
A symbol original is the source version of the graphical symbol that may be adapted for actual use. The standard limits how far that original can be changed.
Negation is the act of reversing the meaning of a graphical symbol when it is applied. Clause 7 ties this to the method in IEC 80416-1:2008.
Prohibition is the meaning of a circle with a diagonal bar. The document says this sign must not be used for any other meaning.
Orientation is the direction in which a symbol is presented. Clause 9 explains that orientation may affect meaning and must be handled carefully.
Screens and displays are a specific application area for graphical symbols. Clause 4.2 points to ISO 80416-4 for that use case.
Who uses SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011?
SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 is used by equipment designers, technical illustrators, documentation teams, and manufacturers who place symbols on products, panels, controls, or displays. It is also relevant to quality and compliance staff who check whether symbol use stays consistent across a product family. The subject area aligns with graphical symbols for use on specific equipment and electrical engineering in general.
What changed in SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 from the previous edition?
SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 is an amendment to EN 80416-3:2002. It updates Annex ZA, refreshes the normative references, revises the wording on screens and displays, and changes the rules on modification, negation, orientation, and colour. It also adds Figure 11 on arrow types and Figure 12 on mirroring.
Which standards are used with SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011?
The document refers to IEC 60073 for coding principles for indicators and actuators, IEC 60417 for the graphical-symbol collection for use on equipment, IEC 80416-1 for creating graphical symbols for registration, ISO/IEC 80416-2 for the form and use of arrows, ISO 3864-1 and ISO 3864-2 for safety signs and product safety labels, ISO 7000 for the equipment-symbol index, ISO 7010 for safety signs in workplaces and public areas, and ISO 80416-4 for icons on screens and displays. These references provide the shared rules and symbol collections that this part relies on.
What does the SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 document contain?
The document contains application guidance rather than a symbol catalogue. Its content includes revised text on modification, negation, arrows, mirroring, and colour use, plus example figures for arrow types and mirrored symbols. Annex ZA presents the reference mapping to European publications. The document also points users to related IEC and ISO symbol standards when they need to register, adapt, or apply symbols in practice.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 10-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 10-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 10-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2011
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 is a amendment published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment - Part 3: Guidelines for the application of graphical symbols (IEC 80416-3:2002/A1:2011)". This standard covers: 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.
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.
SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 01.080.20 - Graphical symbols for use on specific equipment; 29.020 - Electrical engineering in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST ISO 7000:2004, SIST ISO 3864-2:2008, SIST ISO 3864-1:2003, SIST EN 4614:2009, SIST EN 60073:2003, SIST EN 80416-1:2009, SIST EN 80416-2:2004, SIST EN 60728-6:2011, SIST EN 80416-3:2003. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN 80416-3:2003/A1:2011 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2011
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Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment - Part 3: Guidelines for the
application of graphical symbols (IEC 80416-3:2002/A1:2011)
Allgemeine Grundlagen für Graphische Symbole auf Einrichtungen - Teil 3: Leitfaden zur
Anwendung Graphischer Symbole (IEC 80416-3:2002/A1:2011)
Principes élémentaires pour les symboles graphiques utilisables sur le matériel - Partie
3: Guide pour l'application des symboles graphiques (CEI 80416-3:2002/A1:2011)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 80416-3:2002/A1:2011
ICS:
01.080.20 *UDILþQLVLPEROL]DSRVHEQR Graphical symbols for use on
RSUHPR specific equipment
29.020 Elektrotehnika na splošno Electrical engineering in
general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 80416-3/A1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
August 2011
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 01.080.20
English version
Basic principles for graphical symbols for use on equipment -
Part 3: Guidelines for the application of graphical symbols
(IEC 80416-3:2002/A1:2011)
Principes élémentaires pour les symboles Allgemeine Grundlagen für Graphische
graphiques utilisables sur le matériel - Symbole auf Geräten und Einrichtungen -
Partie 3: Guide pour l'application des Teil 3: Leitfaden zur Anwendung
symboles graphiques Graphischer Symbole
(CEI 80416-3:2002/A1:2011) (IEC 80416-3:2002/A1:2011)
This amendment A1 modifies the European Standard EN 80416-3:2002; it was approved by CENELEC on 2011-
08-16. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate
the conditions for giving this amendment the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.
This amendment exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language
made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the
Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus,
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels
© 2011 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 80416-3:2002/A1:2011 E
Foreword
The text of document 3C/1687/CDV, future edition 1 of IEC 80416-3:2002/A1:2011, prepared by SC 3C,
Graphical symbols for use on equipment, of IEC TC 3, Information structures, documentation and
graphical symbols was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as
The following dates are fixed:
(dop) 2012-05-16
• latest date by which the document has
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical national
standard or by endorsement
(dow) 2014-08-16
• latest date by which the national
standards conflicting with the
document have to be withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 80416-3:2002/A1:2011 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
- 3 - EN 80416-3:2002/A1:2011
Replace the entire Annex ZA by the following:
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
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.
NOTE When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60073 - Basic and safety principles for man-machine EN 60073 -
interface, marking and identification - Coding
principles for indicators and actuators
IEC 60417 Data- Graphical symbols for use on equipment - -
base
IEC 80416-1 2008 Basic principles for graphical symbols for use EN 80416-1 2009
on equipment -
Part 1: Creation of graphical symbols for
registration
ISO/IEC 80416-2 - Basic principles for graphical symbols for use EN 80416-2 -
on equipment -
Part 2: Form and use of arrows
ISO 3864-1 - Graphical symbols - Safety colours and safety - -
signs -
Part 1: Design principles for safety signs in
workplaces and public areas
ISO 3864-2 - Graphical symbols - Safety colours and safety - -
signs -
Part 2: Design principles for product safety
labels
ISO 7000 - Graphical symbols for use on equipment - - -
Index and synopsis
ISO 7010 - Graphical symbols - Safety colours and safety - -
signs - Safety signs used in workplaces and
public areas
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 80416-3 ®
Edition 1.0 2011-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
AMENDMENT 1
AMENDEMENT 1
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 PRICE CODE
F
CODE PRIX
ICS 01.080.20 ISBN 978-2-88912-579-1
SIST EN 80416-3
...