Engineering Standards

What Are Engineering Standards?

Standards are extremely important technical documents in engineering and related technical fields.

A technical standard is an established norm or requirement. It is usually a formal document that establishes uniform engineering or technical criteria, methods, processes and practices. The documents prepared by a professional group or committee which are believed to be good and proper engineering practices and which contain mandatory requirement.

There are thousand of standards in use around the world. They cover everything from the simplest screw thread to the most complex information technology network.

By applying standards, organizations can help to ensure that their products and services are consistent, compatible, safe and effective. Today, products are assembled from components made in different countries, and are then sold around the world, so standards are more important than ever.

Standards affect nearly every product or service we encounter in our daily lives. Just imagine how difficult and dangerous it could be to change a light bulb if there were not standards concerning electric safety, voltage, and light bulb sizes.

How Are Standards Developed?

Here is an example of how a standardization organization develops its standard.

ISO – “Like a symphony, it takes a lot of people working together to develop a standard. ISO’s role is similar to that of a conductor, while the orchestra is made up of independent technical experts nominated by our members. The experts form a technical committee that is responsible for a specific subject area. They begin the process with the development of a draft that meets a specific market need. This is then shared for commenting and further discussion. The voting process is the key to consensus. If that’s achieved then the draft is on its way to becoming an ISO standard. If agreement isn’t reached then the draft will be modified further, and voted on again. From first proposal to final publication, developing a standard usually takes about 3 years.”

Frequently Used Engineering Standards

ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

ANSI is the national coordinator of voluntary standards activities in the U.S. ANSI approves and publishes standards after they are developed by various engineering, industry and professional groups. ANSI is the U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). ANSI does not produce standards.

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

The Code of Federal Regulations is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive Department and agencies of the Federal Government.

European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)

ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) is an independent, not-for-profit, standardization organization in the field of information and communications. ETSI supports the development and testing of global technical standards for ICT-enabled systems, applications and services.

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC; in French: Commission électrotechnique internationale) is an international standards organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies – collectively known as “electrotechnology”. IEC standards cover a vast range of technologies from power generation, transmission and distribution to home appliances and office equipment, semiconductors, fiber optics, batteries, solar energy, nanotechnology and marine energy as well as many others.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association (IEEE SA) is an operating unit within IEEE that develops global standards in a broad range of industries, including: power and energy, artificial intelligence systems, internet of things, consumer technology and consumer electronics, biomedical and health care, learning technology, information technology and robotics, telecommunication and home automation, automotive, transportation, home automation, nanotechnology, information assurance, emerging technologies, and many more.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Founded on 23 February 1947, the organization develops and publishes worldwide technical, industrial and commercial standards. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and works in 166 countries.

International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is an international organization that provides global telecommunication standards. ITU-T Recommendations (standards), form the foundations of the information and communications technologies of today.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Founded on 23 February 1947, the organization develops and publishes worldwide technical, industrial and commercial standards. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and works in 166 countries.

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

SAE International, formerly named the Society of Automotive Engineers, is a United States-based, globally active professional association and standards developing organization for engineering professionals in various industries. Principal emphasis is placed on global transport industries such as aerospace, automotive, and commercial vehicles. The organization adopted the name SAE International to reflect the broader emphasis on mobility.

Last updated: 10/25/2021