Swiss format · Legacy material lists

IfA92 (.01s) — Legacy format for Swiss material lists

IfA92 is the flat text format used since the 1990s to transmit electrical material lists in Switzerland. Still in use in 2026, particularly for SIA 451 files and legacy installer workflows.

Historical background

L'IfA92 (Informatique pour l'Artisanat, 1992 version) was the first standardized Swiss format for exchanging electrical article lists between engineering office, installer and wholesaler. It takes the form of a fixed-width text file with the extension .01s (sometimes .01t).

This format is gradually being replaced by the IfA18 (.crbx) XML, but is still used for:

  • Legacy workflows still present at many Swiss installers and offices.
  • The files SIA 451 where the .01s is explicitly referenced in the contract specifications (CCT).
  • Interoperability with legacy ERP systems that never migrated to IfA18.

Structure of a .01s file

Text format, one line per item, with fixed columns:

  • Code CAN — item identifier
  • Description — free text
  • Quantity
  • Unit price
  • Total price
  • Installation hours

Generation with ElectroCAD

ElectroCAD directly produces the files .01s via its integrated generator. The same AutoCAD source (schematics + ElectroBlocs schedules) generates, as required:

  • A .crbx IfA18 (modern XML)
  • A .01s IfA92 (legacy text)
  • An Excel / CSV for internal audit

FAQ

Why keep using IfA92 in 2026? Backward compatibility with installers' ERP systems and compliance with the cantonal technical specifications (CCT) that still explicitly reference it.

Will IfA92 disappear? Probably by 2030. ElectroCAD will continue to export it as long as business demand justifies it.