International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the authoritative worldwide body responsible for developing consensus global standards in the electrotechnical field. IEC is dedicated to the harmonization and voluntary adoption of these standards, supporting the transfer of electrotechnology, assisting certification and promoting international trade. Since 1906, IEC has served the world's electrical industry, developing international standards to promote quality, safety, performance, reproducibility, and environmental compatibility of materials, products, and systems. It has also published standards for the electronics and telecommunications industries. The IEC's present membership of 51 countries includes most major trading nations. International Electrotechnical Commission standards are widely adopted as the basis of national or regional electrotechnical standards, and are often quoted in manufacturers' specifications and by users when calling for tenders. Over 2000 standards cover virtually every topic of electrotechnology from acoustics, to medical devices, to insulating materials, to aircraft, to nuclear instruments. The IEC's membership consists of the electrotechnical standards organizations from each participating nation. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) represents the United States.