Standard · IEC TC 65/SC 65A

IEC 61508 (functional safety of E/E/PE safety-related systems)

Basic safety publication for electrical, electronic and programmable electronic systems that carry out safety functions. Facilitates sector standards; does not by itself confer an AI-specific SIL.

Status: Published 30 April 2010 (edition 2.0)
Last reviewed: 15 October 2026
Last verified: 15 October 2026
Industries: Industrial machinery and robotics, Process industries, Other safety-critical

What it is

IEC lists IEC 61508-1:2010 as covering those aspects to be considered when electrical/electronic/programmable electronic (E/E/PE) systems are used to carry out safety functions. It has the status of a basic safety publication according to IEC Guide 104. One objective is to facilitate the development of product and application sector international standards. Edition 2.0 was published 30 April 2010.

IEC 61508-3:2010 applies to any software forming part of a safety-related system or used to develop a safety-related system within the scope of IEC 61508-1 and IEC 61508-2.

What it is not

We have not found an official IEC catalog page that says IEC 61508 is an AI-management standard or that ISO/IEC TR 5469 replaces it. TR 5469 is a technical report on AI in safety-related functions. See TR 5469 and IEC 61508 for ML components.

How it relates to other frameworks

IEC 61511. Process-sector implementation of IEC 61508:2010.
ISO 26262. Road-vehicle sector functional safety.
EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230. Union product-safety law for machinery, including AI-related recitals and Annex I listing on the AI Act Service Desk.

Primary sources

Read IEC 61508-1:2010 and IEC 61508-3:2010. IEC sells the full text.

Sources

Sources last checked on 15 October 2026.