ISO 20456:2017 applies to industrial electromagnetic flowmeters used for the measurement of flowrate of a conductive liquid in a closed conduit running full. It covers flowmeter types utilizing both alternating current (AC) and pulsed direct current (DC) circuits to drive the field coils and meters running from a mains power supply and those operating from batteries or other sources of power.

ISO 20456:2017 is not applicable to insertion-type flowmeters or electromagnetic flowmeters designed to work in open channels or pipes running partially full, nor does it apply to the measurement of magnetically permeable slurries or liquid metal applications.

ISO 20456:2017 does not specify safety requirements in relation to hazardous environmental usage of the flowmeter.