TS EN IEC 81346-2

TS EN IEC 81346-2 addresses the classification scheme used to support reference designations for industrial systems, installations, equipment and industrial products. It defines object classes together with their associated letter codes, creating a common way to identify generic object types in technical documentation and engineering data.

How class codes support reference designation

In general technical practice, a reference designation does more than label a part: it helps distinguish function, product type and position within a structured system. Class codes matter because they make it possible to represent the same kind of object consistently across drawings, parts lists, maintenance records and digital engineering databases. This standard therefore provides a coding framework for classifying objects, rather than a product catalogue of individual items.

What this part covers

This part establishes classification schemes with defined object classes and associated letter codes, primarily for use in reference designations and for designating generic types. Its focus is on creating a structured, scalable way to describe industrial objects consistently across documentation environments. The value of the standard is its common classification logic; it does not prescribe how a particular product must be designed or manufactured.

• Provides a common class-and-code framework for reference designations.
• Organises object classes used for identifying generic types.
• Supports consistent documentation across industrial systems, installations and products.
• Focuses on classification structure rather than individual product requirements.