Video gaming is a multibillion-dollar industry which shows no signs of slowing down, particularly on Black Friday next week and throughout the holiday gift-giving season. According to IEEE, an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) member and accredited standards developer, the average 21-year-old has spent 5,000 hours playing video games in his or her lifetime. Dozens of standards from ANSI members and accredited standards developers help to ensure that video games and their related components function safely and properly without disrupting the gamer's experience.
When it comes to entertainment safety, the International Electrical Commission's IEC 60335-2-82 Ed. 2.2 b:2013, Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-82: Particular requirements for amusement machines and personal service machines, deals with the safety of amusement machines with a rated voltage of not more than 250 V for single-phase and 480 V for other appliances. In addition to various video games, popular amusement machines also include driving simulators, laser shooting appliances and gaming machines, pinball machines—and more.
The 60335 series of IEC standards was developed by IEC TC 61, Safety of household and similar electrical appliances. Secretariat duties for TC 61 are performed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an ANSI member and audited designator. UL also serves as the U.S. National Committee (USNC)-approved U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Administrator to TC 61, carrying U.S. positions forward to the committee.
Screens are also a critical component of the gaming experience. CSA C382-11, Energy performance of television and displays, specifies the test method for measuring the energy performance and defines the performance requirements of displays with a viewable screen size greater than or equal to 75 cm (30 in) diagonal and of televisions of all sizes. CSA C382-11 was developed by CSA group, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer.
Maneuvering action depends upon a functioning and safe joystick. IEC 62115, Electric Toys Safety, deals with the safety of toys that have at least one function dependent on electricity. Examples of toys within the scope of this standard are: video toys (toys having a screen and means of activation, such as a joystick or keyboard); constructional sets; experimental sets; and functional toys (having a function similar to an appliance or installation used by adults).
IEC 62115 was developed by IEC TC 61, Safety of household and similar electrical appliances. Secretariat duties for TC 61 are performed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an ANSI member and audited designator. UL also serves as the U.S. National Committee (USNC)-approved U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Administrator to TC 61, carrying U.S. positions forward to the committee.
Of course, video games are just one option when it comes to holiday gift giving; click here to read about a few more voluntary consensus standards helping Americans treat each other to a safe and joyful season.