International Electrotechnical Commission IEC
Founded in 1906, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the leading international standards organization in the field of electrotechnology and electronics.
IEC’s members include electrical and electronic industry associations, manufacturers, consumers and government agencies from various countries, etc. Its main task is to develop and promote international standards to facilitate the development and application of electrical and electronic technology, and to promote international trade and technology exchange.
IEC’s standards cover all areas of electrical and electronic technology, including wires and cables, motors, batteries, electronic components, household appliances, information technology, energy management, industrial automation and other aspects. These standards are not only important to the development and application of the electrical and electronic industry, but also have a positive impact on the protection of human safety, health and environmental protection.
The purpose of the IEC is to promote international cooperation in standardization and related issues in the field of electrical and electronic engineering and to improve international mutual understanding. To achieve this purpose, IEC publishes various publications, including international standards, and expects its members to use these standards in their national standardization work when their national conditions permit. Over the past 20 years, the IEC has grown considerably both in its field of work and in the size of its organization. Today, IEC membership has increased from 35 in 1960 to 173 [5], covering 99% of the world’s population [6]. The current field of work of the IEC has expanded from the mere study of electrical equipment, nomenclature and power of electrical machines to all aspects of electrotechnology such as electronics, electricity, microelectronics and their applications, communications, audiovisual, robotics, information technology, new medical devices and nuclear instrumentation.IEC standards already cover 35% of the world market, and by the end of this century this figure could reach 50%.
The authority of IEC standards is recognized worldwide.IEC holds more than 100 international standards meetings around the world every year, and nearly 100,000 experts from all over the world are participating in IEC standards development and revision.IEC has 100 technical committees (TCs); 107 subtechnical committees (SCs).IEC standards are increasing rapidly, with only 120 standards in 1963. By the end of December 2018, IEC has developed and published 10,771 international standards.
IEC standards are developed in accordance with the principles of transparency, fairness and science, and are subject to extensive discussions and reviews to ensure their quality and effectiveness. It also provides an important guarantee for technological progress and competition in the electrical and electronic industry.
