--- title: "BS EN IEC 62676-4:2025 explained in plain English | SPS Technical" url: https://sps-technical.com/resources/standards/bs-en-62676-4 description: "BS EN IEC 62676-4 gives the application guidelines for designing CCTV systems. It sets out how to define what each camera must achieve and the image detail…" lang: en-GB --- BS EN IEC 62676-4:2025 Current edition CCTV # BS EN IEC 62676-4: CCTV design and image detail, explained Reviewed by the SPS Technical team · Last checked 12 October 2026 ## Quick answer BS EN IEC 62676-4 gives the application guidelines for designing CCTV systems. It sets out how to define what each camera must achieve and the image detail needed: about 25 pixels per metre to detect a person, 62 to observe, 125 to recognise and 250 to identify. The current edition is BS EN IEC 62676-4:2025, which replaces the 2015 edition. ## What it means for you - Agree what each camera is for before it is fitted: detect, observe, recognise or identify. - Ask for the pixels per metre at the target distance, not just the camera resolution. - Check that lighting at night supports the detail you need. - Keep an operational requirement document so the system can be tested against it. ## Who it applies to Anyone specifying, designing, installing or reviewing a CCTV system for a business, school, estate or public space. ## Common questions What resolution do I need to identify someone on CCTV? Resolution alone does not decide it. What matters is the image detail on the person, measured in pixels per metre. About 250 pixels per metre is needed to identify an unknown person, and around 125 to recognise someone you know. What changed from the 2015 edition? The 2025 edition is a full revision of the application guidelines published by IEC. The 2015 edition remains available until it is withdrawn by 30 November 2028, so new designs should follow the 2025 edition. ## Official sources - Search BSI Knowledge: https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/search?query=62676-4 - GOV.UK: recommended standards for the surveillance camera industry: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/recommended-standards-for-the-surveillance-camera-industry This page is a plain-English summary, not a copy of the standard. British Standards are copyright of BSI. ## Page updates - 12 October 2026: Edition updated to BS EN IEC 62676-4:2025. The 2015 edition is to be withdrawn by 30 November 2028. 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