IEC 61850-3:20 13定义了一般要求，主要涉及发电厂和变电站环境中公用事业通信和自动化IED（智能电子设备）和系统的构造、设计和环境条件。这些一般要求符合类似环境中使用的IED的要求，例如测量继电器和保护设备。与上一版相比，此新版本包括以下重大技术变更: -要求与在相同环境中使用的其他设备（例如保护继电器）的要求一致； -根据IEC 60255-27增加了产品安全性； -EMC要求已完成，符合IEC 60255系列和IEC 61000-6-5。

IEC 61850-3:2013 defines the general requirements, mainly regarding construction, design and environmental conditions for utility communication and automation IEDs (intelligent electronic devices) and systems in power plant and substation environments. These general requirements are in line with requirements for IEDs used in similar environments, for example measuring relays and protection equipment. This new edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
- requirements are in line with those of other equipment used in the same environment (e.g. protection relays);
- product safety added based on IEC 60255-27;
- EMC requirements completed and in line with IEC 60255 series and IEC 61000-6-5.