This part of IEC 60050 gives the general terminology used for electrical installations such as those of residential, industrial or commercial premises. It does not cover systems for distribution of energy to the public or power generation and transmission for such systems. This new edition reviews and complements the previous one. An important aim of the revision is to achieve compliance with IEC 61140:2016. In addition, some new terms have been added from IEC 60364-8-1:2014 and IEC 60364-8-2:2018. It has the status of a horizontal publication in accordance with IEC Guide 108, Guidelines for ensuring the coherence of IEC publications - Horizontal functions, horizontal publications and their application.

This terminology is consistent with the terminology developed in the other specialized parts of the IEV.

This horizontal publication is primarily intended for use by technical committees in the preparation of IEC publications in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 108.

One of the responsibilities of a technical committee is, wherever applicable, to make use of horizontal publications in the preparation of its publications.