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This article discusses the reasons to adopt International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, provides examples of IEC-based UL standards, and outlines the adoption process including addressing national differences. It also emphasizes the importance of industry-driven efforts, minimizing national differences, and challenges in adopting IEC standards.
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Adoption of IEC StandardsAn SDO Perspective Sonya Bird sonya.m.bird@us.ul.com
Why Adopt? • International trade and globalization drives harmonization of standards • Manufacturers of many products desire one set of requirements to have products accepted everywhere • Standards are tools promoting trade of safe products between countries; standards should not be barriers to trade
Published IEC-Based UL Standards • > 900 UL Standards Exist • > 80 IEC-Based UL Standards • Examples of IEC-based Standards: • 60950 (ITE) • 60065 (Consumer Electronics) • 60335 (Appliances) • 60947 (Industrial Control) • 61058 (Switches)
IEC-Based UL Standards In Development • UL is working with industry and others to adopt the following IEC Standards (~25 in development) • IEC 61730, Photovoltaics • IEC 61215, IEC 61646, IEC 62108 – Performance standards related to PV • Specific Parts in the 60335 series • Parts within the 60947 series
The Adoption Process • Identification of relevant IEC standard • Definition of proposed project scope • Identification of commitment - UL survey of industry/STP • Seek permission from ANSI and TAG Administrator to adopt IEC Standard • Form International Harmonization Committee (IHC)
The Adoption Process • 6. IHC Develops Proposal • Base IEC Document • Identification of National Differences • 7. Goal - Minimal National Differences • 8. Proposal submitted through UL’s process • 9. UL publishes internationally-based standard • 10. UL legacy standard withdrawn
National Differences • Regulatory or Code • Component Differences • Key Safety Issues for the US • Manufacturing Practice
IEC-Based Standard Format • UL incorporates NDs within body of IEC standard (ND immediately follows the clause of the IEC standard being modified). • UL also offers a National Difference document that consists entirely of NDs, with no IEC text
Best Practices • Industry Driven efforts are most successful • Minimize National Differences • Reduction of National Differences in UL standard • Proposals to IEC to Accept US requirements • US interests must be active • TAG memberships • Participation at IEC TC/SC meetings • Establishment of Experts on WGs and MTs • It takes time to be recognized as an authority so participate early!
Challenges with IEC Adoption • Legacy standards exist • Adoption of IEC standards can result in product redesign • Retesting • UL legacy standards withdrawn following reasonable transition period • ANSI Sales and Exploitation Policy – Acquiring Permission from USTAG Administrator • Adopting IEC standards takes several years • UL standard lags IEC Standard