Provides a firm basis for the clear and unambiguous definition ofcharacteristic properties (data element types) of all elements of electrotechnical systems from basic components to subassemblies and full systems. Although originally conceived in the context of providing a basis for the exchange of information on electric/electronic components, the principles and methods of this standard may be used in areas outside the original conception such as assemblies of components and electrotechnical systems andsubsystems.In addition, the standard provides for establishing a classification hierarchy and the allocation of applicable and relevant properties to each of the classes so established in order to describe fully the characteristics of objects belonging to that class. Provision is also made for definition of the terms used in classification.Use of this standard facilitates the exchange of data describing electrotechnical systems through a defined structure for the information to be exchanged in a computer-sensible form.Each property to be exchanged will have an unambiguously defined meaning and consistent naming, where relevant a defined value list, a prescribed format and defined units of measure for all quantitative values. There is also provision for control of changes to definitions of the properties through version and revision numbers; inclusion of notes and remarks to clarify and help in the application of the definitions; indication of the sources of definitions and value lists; associated figures and formulae.Closely associated with this part of IEC 61360 is IEC 61360-2. This part contains the information model, using the EXPRESS modelling language. In this model, the definition and structure of IEC 61360-1 is formalized and presented in a computer-sensible form. Use of thisinformation model allows dictionary information to be exchanged between different systems using the STEP Physical File Format as defined in ISO 10303-21.