Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · Safety standards

IEC 60848

Also known as: GRAFCET

German: IEC 60848

IEC 60848 is the international standard that defines GRAFCET, a graphical specification language for describing the sequential behavior of control systems with steps, transitions, actions and receptivities, independent of the implementation technology.

  • Standards

In one sentence

IEC 60848 defines GRAFCET, a graphical language for specifying the sequential behavior of control systems with steps and transitions.

Example

The specification of a drilling station describes its cycle as a GRAFCET according to IEC 60848, which the programmer then implements in SFC.

How it applies

  • Engineering: GRAFCET is used to specify sequences in a technology-neutral way, especially in German- and French-speaking engineering and training.
  • Implementation: The specification is often implemented as Sequential function chart (SFC) according to IEC 61131-3, but GRAFCET itself is a specification language, not a programming language.
  • Documentation: GRAFCET diagrams are useful in functional specifications and training documents; the documentation team should use the notation consistently and state which standard version applies.
  • Training: GRAFCET is widely taught in vocational and engineering education, so it is a familiar notation for many technicians reading specifications.

GRAFCET (IEC 60848) vs. SFC (IEC 61131-3)

GRAFCET specifies behavior; SFC is a programming language in IEC 61131-3 that implements it. They look similar but have different semantics and rules.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: IEC 60848, GRAFCET specification language for sequential function charts

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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