IEEE 577-2004

This standard sets forth the minimum acceptable requirements for the performance of reliability analyses for safety-related systems when used to address the reliability considerations discussed in the standards listed in Clause 2. The methods of this standard may also be applied to other systems, including the interactions, if any, between safety-related and non-safety-related systems. The requirements should be applied during the phases of design, fabrication, testing, maintenance, and repair of systems and components in nuclear facilities. The timing of the analysis depends upon the purpose for which the analysis is performed. This standard applies to the facility owner and other organizations responsible for the activities previously stated.

The purpose of this standard is to provide uniform, minimum acceptable requirements for the performance of reliability analyses for safety-related systems found in nuclear facilities, but not to define the need for an analysis. The need for reliability analysis has been identified in other standards that expand the requirements (e.g., IEEE Std 379(TM)-2000, 1 which describes the application of the single-failure criterion). IEEE Std 352(TM)-1987 provides guidance in the application and use of reliability techniques referred to in this standard.

Revision Standard - Superseded. This standard sets forth minimum acceptable requisites for the performance of reliability analyses for safety-related systems of nuclear facilities when used to address the reliability requirements identified in regulations and other standards. The requirement that a reliability analysis be performed does not originate with this standard. However, when reliability analysis is used to demonstrate compliance with reliability requirements, this standard describes an acceptable response to the requirements.