The U.S. National Committee (USNC) of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has published the Winter 2017/2018 issue of its quarterly newsletter, the USNC Current. The issue explores how standards lead to interoperability, expanded markets, and robust trade, and how the USNC serves to bring American policy and technology issues to the global standards community. The new edition also highlights new opportunities, events and resources for industry.
In a feature article, the director of standards at the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standards developing organization, Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) underscores how advocating for U.S. requirements in international standards helps U.S. manufacturers gain access to worldwide markets for their products.
Opportunities for Emerging Professionals
The issue also includes a recap of the recent Young Professionals (YP) Workshop at the IEC 81st General Meeting, and other opportunities for other emerging professionals in the field of electrotechnology to get involved and help shape the future of international standardization and conformity assessment. One opportunity is the USNC Young Professionals Webinar on April 4. The presentation and discussion will highlight the positive benefits of USNC participation to both young professionals and their employers, and explore many ways to become involved in the USNC.
USNC Announces Upcoming Events & Launch of IEC Academy
Another opportunity to get involvedopen to professionals in all areas of electrotechnologyis the IEC 2022 General Meeting, to be hosted by the USNC in San Francisco on October 31- November 4. The USNC invites interested parties and stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to international standardization during the 10 day meeting through sponsorship of this event, which is available at various levels.
The IEC also recently launched the IEC Academy website to provide easy access to high-quality training and make it more frequent, predictable, and convenient for the entire IEC community.
The USNC also encourages stakeholders to check out the U.S. German Standards Panel 2018 on April 10-11 in Washington D.C. Co-hosted by ANSI, the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) and the German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies of DIN and VDE (DKE), the event will focus on securing future technologies, cybersecurity, and other challenges and solutions for smart manufacturing, mobility, and agriculture.
About the USNC
A committee of ANSI, the USNC serves as the focal point for U.S. parties who are interested in the development, promulgation, and use of globally-relevant standards for the electrotechnical industry. The Committee is also engaged in the assessment of conformance to standards, undertaking work in areas such as testing, certification, and accreditation.
As the U.S. representative to the IEC and many related regional standardization bodies, the USNC is a conduit to the global standards-setting community for technical and policy positions arising in the U.S. and brings issues from the global arena to the U.S. for review, consideration, and response. Strong U.S. participation in the IEC is critical to national competitiveness and the continued growth and innovation in U.S. electrotechnical industries.
Read the USNC Current Volume 12, Number 4.