What is EN 50159 ?

EN 50159 is a set of technical standards that outlines the functional safety requirements for communication networks used in industrial environments. The standard is developed by CENELEC, the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization, and it is designed to ensure the safe and reliable operation of industrial communication systems.

EN 50159 has a comprehensive structure that consists of several parts. Part 1 introduces the general concepts and principles, including the scope of the standard and the necessary definitions. Part 2 deals with the system design and is concerned with topics such as redundancy, fault tolerance, and network architecture. Part 3 covers the installation and testing of the communication system, while Part 4 focuses on the maintenance and operation.

EN 50159 has key requirements that are essential for achieving the overall safety objectives of industrial communication networks. These requirements include the use of qualified technical staff, the implementation of a safety management system, and the requirement for prior safety review and verification of the design.

EN 50159 also provides guidelines for the testing and validation of the communication system. This includes the use of specialized equipment and the requirement for the testing to be carried out in an independent laboratory.

EN 50159 is significant in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of industrial communication systems. Its requirements are designed to ensure that the communication system is robust, reliable, and secure. It also provides a framework for the assessment of the risks associated with the system and for the development of a safety plan to mitigate those risks.

In conclusion, EN 50159 is a comprehensive set of technical standards that has been developed to ensure the safe and reliable operation of industrial communication systems. Its key requirements are essential for achieving the overall safety objectives of industrial communication networks and for ensuring the reliability and security of the system.