IEC 61360-1:2009 provides a firm basis for the clear and unambiguous definition of characteristic properties (data element types) of all elements of electrotechnical systems from basic components to sub-assemblies and full systems. The principles and methods of this standard may be used in areas outside the original conception such as assemblies of components and electrotechnical systems and subsystems. In addition, this 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.