The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is raising awareness about its role in electrotechnology standardization with the launch of a mini film series. In less than 60 seconds, each short picture shows IEC's integral role in electrotechnology through hyperlapsed images of energy grids, electronics and devices, cities, manufacturing, energy and grid storage, and the automotive sector. Each music-infused short is available on IEC's You Tube channel. The films focus on six key areas:
Energy
The IEC reminds us that it helps "keep the lights on," as its core business is electricity and electronics. The commission develops the technical rules that enable the safe and efficient operation of electric and electronic devices across the globe.
Electronics
In addition to ensuring electronics ranging from computers to household equipment run effectively, the IEC develops the protocols for billions of devices and systems, including e-readers and cloud computing.
Cities
Just as electricity is fundamental to urban infrastructure systems and city development, the IEC plays a major role in developing smart city standards, from public lighting in sports stadiums and auditoriums to airport safety measures and medical equipment in various sectors— especially significant as future forecasts indicate that by 2050, 67% of the global population will live in cities.
Manufacturing
The IEC produces International Standards relating to all forms of manufacturing as the sector shifts to sustainable energy and cost efficiency measures. IEC standards ensure industrial systems work safely with each other, and help reduce CO2 emissions across various processes.
Automotive
Today, electronics and electrical systems represent close to 50% of the cost of a car. IEC standards help shape the components utilized to produce modern electric vehicles (EVs).
Grid and Energy Storage
The IEC emphasizes the need to maintain grid stability while integrating a growing body of energy that comes from decentralized generation. It also impacts electrical energy storage (EES), which will become increasingly important for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources and achieving a better balancing of the grid in the coming years.
The IEC is a global organization that publishes consensus-based International Standards and manages conformity assessment systems for electric and electronic products, systems, and services, known as electrotechnology.
The U.S. National Committee (USNC), an integrated committee of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), serves as the U.S. member body to the IEC.