In This Issue

n Focus On: Standards of Value to Government n USNC News n IEC Headlines n Latest Literature from the IEC n Conformity Assessment n Laugh Track n Save the Dates

Volume 6 Number 4 WINTER 2011

Focus On: Standards of Value to Government The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA) states that “Federal agencies and departments shall consult with voluntary, private sector, consensus standards bodies and shall, when such participation is in the public interest and is compatible with agency and departmental missions, authorities, priorities, and budget resources, participate with such bodies in the development of technical standards.” Increasingly, agencies are relying on and referencing international standards in such key areas as healthcare technology, energy, and the Smart Grid.

The Value of Standards to One Regulatory Agency

By Carol L. Herman, Retired Director, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) Standards Program

onsensus standards are the workhorse participating in of the medical device review process. the development C While the data is not there to and revision of definitively support a reduced review time, it the most relevant is possible that if the reviewers of premarket medical device submissions did not have voluntary consensus standards, as standards to rely on, the Food and Drug well as a robust Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices recognition and Radiological Health (CDRH) would need process that more reviewers and longer review times to allows for effectively meet their regulatory requirements. deviations if there are parts of The Keys to the Process the standard that The Food and Drug Administration do not meet the Modernization Act (FDAMA) envisioned regulatory needs Federal agencies are directed to participate in the activities of voluntary that voluntary consensus standards, if used of the CDRH. standards organizations and to adopt and reference voluntary standards in furtherance of U.S. domestic and foreign goals (OMB Circular No. A 119). effectively, could help reviewers of medical This is one of the device premarket submissions to either most valuable shorten review times or re-target the review tools a regulatory agency can have. ultimately require more review time. Also, so that more time could be spent on those Having said that, the appropriate use there is no provision in the law that allows elements requiring more in-depth review. of standards is key to the success of the for the “promise” that the data demonstrating The latter could be accomplished because program, and industry plays a significant safety and effectiveness will be generated and reviewers could rely on the appropriate use role in that success. If the wrong standard support the appropriate use of the standard. of standards they have recognized and have or the wrong criteria within a standard are Consequently, industry is very important, and confidence in. That confidence comes from used, this can slow down the process and working closely with the agency (continued)

Published by the American National Standards Institute and its U.S. National Committee of the IEC volume 6 number 4 usnc/iec news and notes n 1 U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission

focus on: standards of value to government

The Value of Standards to One Regulatory Agency (continued)

and following the appropriate standards and This not only reduces travel expenses, but can specificity in standards guidance can play a significant role in an also allow for more frequent meetings. can contribute to a expeditious product review. We have seen the decline of regulators stifling of innovation participating in the standards development and to trade issues. But The Near Future process, which is not helpful. There are many the pendulum may have CDRH has and continues to make significant committees developing standards of great swung too far. FDA improvements in processes, and the agency importance where FDA is the only regulator needs and wants good has strategically opened offices around the at the table, and many that even FDA cannot performance criteria Carol L. Herman, world. However, FDA does not, nor will it, attend. With the limited resources of both and limits in standards Retired Director, FDA/CDRH have the resources needed to adequately keep government and industry, it has become vitally whenever possible. Standards Program up with the pressure of globalization. important that we begin to think differently This not only helps Manufacturers also face pressure to lower about how standards get developed. the reviewer, but also costs and improve product while trying to While nothing can replace the face-to-face can help ensure the consistency in the review keep pace with emerging technologies and a interactions of scientists and policy makers, process that is so desired by industry. fast paced global economy. Nanotechnology, getting standards completed more quickly is I believe if these improvements can be robotics, interoperability, systems of systems a major concern for the entire community. made in medical device standards, the value – just to name a few – will continue to present We no longer have the luxury of taking of the standards will be greatly improved and new and exciting challenges. Global trends five or more years to develop a standard. continued support from FDA will be secure. will have major implications for CDRH and Good standards – with performance criteria But the benefits of these improvements far the medical device industry in the next decade. wherever possible – are needed, and they are exceeds just having FDA support. The benefits Strong global safety standards will continue to needed in a timely way. This is a challenge of of strong global standards include stronger be needed, as will faster progress towards these utmost importance to the standards developers global participation, better and safer products, standards in order to meet the growing demand. and participants for the coming decade. and improvements to public health around Secondly, speaking of performance criteria, the world. FDA as an agency, and CDRH in The Way Forward we need more of it. In the early days of particular, believe in the value of standards in My main recommendations for the future medical device standards development there supporting the regulatory mission and mandate. of medical device standards are twofold. was more. But industry has marched on and During my tenure with CDRH, standards First, when I was the director of the medical products have become more complicated grew will beyond medical devices. Our program device standards program, I pushed for and and sophisticated, making it more difficult to became the template for how the entire agency was beginning to see movement toward more provide the coveted criteria and/or limits. views, tracks, documents, and participates virtual interactions in developing standards. There has also been concern that too much in standardization. While each FDA center has its own regulations, the medical device program became the “gold standard” for how Global trends will have centers can use standards in meeting regulatory major implications for requirements. With the new Food Safety CDRH and the medical Modernization Act (FSMA), the Center for Food device industry in the Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN) is looking closely at how they can leverage national and global next decade, and faster standards to accomplish their goals. progress toward strong This is just one example of the growing value safety standards is of standards in the FDA. I am extremely proud continually needed. to have been a part of this process and all the accomplishments of CDRH and FDA for more than a decade and look forward to continuing this important work but from a different, exciting, and complimentary position. n

volume 6 number 4 usnc/iec news and notes n 2 U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission

focus on: standards of value to government

IEC TC 57 Standards for the Smart Grid: By Scott Neumann Keeping Pace with Government and Industry Needs U.S. Technical Advisor, IEC TC 57

s industry and governments around Integration the world focus more and more When performing integration of enterprise A on the critical development of applications within a utility, the IEC 61968 series the Smart Grid, IEC Technical Committee of standards is often of interest. Currently in a (TC) 57, Power Systems – management draft state is the second edition of IEC 61968-1, and associated information exchange, finds Application integration at electric utilities - itself at the center of the action developing System interfaces for distribution management many of the necessary related standards. - Part 1: Interface architecture and general IEC TC 57 standards are primarily used related connectivity, and measurements. requirements, which describes a high-level, for information exchanges between energy IEC 61968-11, Application integration logical architecture for integration along with an control centers, within utility enterprises, at electric utilities - System interfaces for Interface Reference Model (IRM). within energy markets, within substations, on distribution management - Part 11: CIM A current topic of strong interest in distribution feeders, and up to the customer extensions for distribution, is a companion the industry is the integration of metering interface. standard that extends the CIM to be systems. Here, IEC 61968-9, Application supportive of electrical distribution. IEC integration at electric utilities - System IEC 61850 62325-301, Framework for energy market interfaces for distribution management - Part One of the key “families” of TC 57 standards communications - Part 301: CIM extensions 9: Interfaces for meter reading and control, commonly referenced for Smart Grid for markets, is another companion standard. provides guidance; a second edition draft projects is the IEC 61850 series. IEC 61850, All three of these standards are in large part recently finished interoperability testing. IEC Communication networks and systems derived from the CIM as represented using 61968-9 also serves as the template to define in substations, is concerned with power Unified Modeling Language (UML). The CIM other parts of IEC 61968 that are intended to system intelligent electronic device (IED) UML is maintained by a team of volunteer standardize information exchange between communication and assorted data models. model managers who work with working enterprise systems. This series of standards is typically realized group members to address issues identified by within the controllers of field equipment industry that enable CIM-based standards to Communication and Data Security used within substations and on distribution be developed by IEC TC57. Security for the Smart Grid is obviously an feeders. Extensions have also been defined to The above standards are the basis for area of significant concern for industry and support equipment related to wind, hydro, and annual interoperability testing, where model government alike. The IEC 62351 series of distributed energy resource. The 61850 standards files are exported from one application and technical specifications describes approaches currently available cover aspects such as then imported into another application. A for data and communication security that can be requirements, system and project management, large number of vendors have participated in leveraged by protocols defined by IEC TC 57. communication, conformance testing, and more. interoperability tests over the last 10 years, as interest was spurred by the Federal Energy Users Group CIM Regulatory Commission (FERC) and more The UCA International Users Group Within the electric utility industry, the terms recently by European mandates. (UCAIUG) is focused on assisting users “common information model” (“CIM”) refer A number of important CIM-related and vendors in the deployment of standards to a logical information model that has been specifications are currently in a draft status: developed by IEC TC 57. Among its many developed by the industry and standardized by n IEC 61970-456, for exchange of power services, the UCAIUG provides periodic IEC TC 57. The CIM family of standards covers system state information snapshots of the CIM UML model that can be the information exchanges needed to integrate n IEC 62361-100, defining naming and design freely downloaded by members; hosts regular control centers, utility enterprise applications, rules for CIM profiles to XML Schemas user group meetings in Europe and North energy markets, and grid operations. n IEC 61968-100, describing the use of America; and sponsors interoperability tests The core CIM standard is IEC 61970-301, enterprise service buses and web services for IEC TC 57 standards. Energy management system application program for integration interface - Part 301: CIM base. Central to the n IEC 62325 series for energy market Further Information CIM is the description of electrical equipment, communications Visit www.ucaiug.org. n

volume 6 number 4 usnc/iec news and notes n 3 U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission

focus on: standards of value to government Cross-Sector Webinar Highlights Government Efforts on Sustainable Purchasing and Reliance on International Standards

pproximately 200 participants from across the standards and Guideline Influencers A business communities as well as other stakeholders tuned in to a one-hour webinar related to environmentally preferable

purchasing hosted by the American National Standard name Description Year Standards Institute (ANSI). ISO/IEC Guide 65 General requirements for bodies operating 1996 product certification systems Led by the U.S. Environmental ISO 17011 Conformity assessment -- General requirements 2004 Protection Agency’s (EPA) Alison Kinn Accreditation for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies Bennett and Brennan Conaway of the U.S. ISO/IEC 17020 General criteria for the operation of various types 1998 General Services Administration (GSA), of bodies performing inspection. ISO/IEC 17021 Conformity assessment -- Requirements for 2011 the webinar provided an opportunity for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems standards developing organizations, product ISO 17025 General requirements for the competence of 2005 manufacturers, and others to hear firsthand testing and calibration laboratories ISO/IEC 17050 -1 Conformity assessment -- Supplier's declaration 2004 about interagency efforts to develop guidelines of conformity -- Part 1: General requirements ISO/IEC 17050 -2 Conformity assessment -- Supplier's declaration 2004 for product standards and ecolabels for of conformity -- Part 1: General requirements greening federal procurement. The session included a robust Q&A Overview of Section 13 Product Standards/Ecolabels Subgroup session in which participants posed and received answers on questions ranging from the scope of the project to its implementation. The webinar presentation stressed the importance of international standards as a basis for All questions submitted during the webinar, government guidelines for ecolabeling. including those for which time did not allow a dedicated discussion, will be compiled along standardization activities that meet critical Bennett and Mr. Conaway, the subgroup with written responses from the speakers and national and global priorities.” is working to create an effective market made publicly available at a later date. Ms. Kinn Bennett and Mr. Conaway infrastructure for green products that will “This is clearly a subject of great interest provided a high-level overview of the work assist federal purchasers in more easily to the standards and business community. of the Product Standards and Ecolabels identifying products that meet standards. And certainly, the topic of standards for green Subgroup, a group co-chaired by GSA In developing their guidelines for what products is an important area of focus for and EPA to ensure that the product-related green standards should be, the Product ANSI,” said ANSI’s senior vice president acquisition goals of Executive Order (E.O.) Standards and Ecolabels Subgroup relied and chief operating officer Fran Schrotter 13514 are met through guidelines for upon documents such as the ANSI Essential in her opening remarks. “The Institute is selecting product-related environmental Requirements, ISO/IEC Guide 59, Code of committed to working on behalf of our diverse sustainability standards and/or ecolabeling good practice for standardization, and ISO membership, U.S. business and industry, programs. E.O. 13514 seeks to establish an 14020, Environmental labels and declarations and the overall public good to coordinate the integrated strategy towards sustainability in – general principles, which reflect the need for the federal government and to openness, balance, consensus, and due process make reduction of greenhouse in the standards-setting process. Product Standards for Sustainability gas emissions a priority for The subgroup expects to submit a draft federal agencies. Among other final report to the Council for Environmental In 2009, ANSI hosted a workshop, Toward Product measures, the order directs Quality (CEQ) in February 2012, and to Standards for Sustainability, with support from the agencies to ensure that 95 formally release the report for public comment EPA, to focus on issues related to sustainability and percent of new federal contracts in March 2012. environmental performance standards for products. require environmentally View the final workshop report here. preferable products and services. Further Information According to Ms. Kinn View the webinar presentation here. n

volume 6 number 4 usnc/iec news and notes n 4 U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission

usnc news

Committee Update: TC 23 Addresses U.S. Issues By Dennis Oddsen, Member, IEC TC 23, MT 61916

ith adoption of the IEC Technical decision 136/6, which three-to-five years will be Committee (TC) 23, Electrical requested TC 23 to measured) will be the date of W accessories, Strategic Business develop a plan to address the Result of Voting (RVN) Plan (SBP) by the Standardization Management concerns from the USNC in the case of an NP, or Board (SMB), TC 23 has committed to and several other countries the issuing date in the case addressing the needs of significant markets regarding standards not of other documents when in accordance with the IEC philosophy: reflecting the needs of agreed within the TC/SC.” “Projecting one solution that accommodates significant markets. TC The TC 23 SBP points one market (but not others) as the international 23 set a three-to-five-year objective to publish out that it may be helpful to identify differences standard will not force markets to evolve globally relevant standards, with the express between existing and proposed alternative and coalesce. In such cases, the markets and goal that they must meet basic IEC safety solutions and to categorize these differences their related industries will look elsewhere standards. This may be achieved using any as “permanent” or “temporary.” TC 23 for standards that better accommodate their of the processes covered by the IEC Global Maintenance Team (MT) 61916 has been needs, and IEC will lose its relevance in those Relevance Tool Box. given the task of defining these two terms. MT markets and industries.” The SBP was approved This is reinforced in the Action Plan and 61916 has also been tasked with analyzing unanimously by TC 23 in September 2011 at a addresses the concerns of the USNC as follows: IEC basic safety standards and determining meeting in Kista, Sweden. “To enable progress against the time objective, which are relevant to TC 23 standards and While Subcommittees (SC) 23B, Plugs, National Committees of TC 23 and its SCs what the appropriate parameters would be. socket-outlets and switches, and 23H, Industrial may submit document(s) through the relevant And MT 61916 will analyze the Tool Box and plugs and socket-outlets, are specifically secretariat by requesting the publication of a determine the most appropriate tools. The SBP referenced in the SBP, it is clear that the Draft for Comment (DC), New Proposal (NP), makes clear that this work by MT 61916 is not principle of ensuring that IEC standards do or similar document to initiate the process for intended to delay the submittal of proposals not address one solution for one market while modifying existing standards to reflect the from the U.S. or other countries. failing to address solutions for other significant needs of significant markets. The document(s) It is now the responsibility of the U.S. to markets applies to any SC or TC. shall be in accordance with IEC Directives. develop responsible proposals to address the The new TC 23 SBP responds to SMB Further, the initiation date (against which the needs of the U.S. and related markets. n

usnc news

Committee Update: TC 46 – Technical Concerns from the FCC By Roger Mathews, U.S. Technical Advisor, IEC TC 46

he USNC Technical Advisory Group on become incompatible with the existing Established bodies such as ANSI, ETSI, NIST (TAG) for Technical Committee (TC) infrastructure. And we need to be careful as and the ITU all agree that “mean power” is T 46, Cables, wires, waveguides, R.F. we move forward to not redefine what has the correct terminology, not “rms power.” connectors, R.F., and microwave passive been the foundation of our technology. A change like this – even though it’s components and accessories, recently During the TC 46 committee meeting, innocent (and just because some manufacturer hosted meetings in Myrtle Beach, SC, to the Federal Communications Commission put a button for “rms power” on the cover working documents for coaxial and (FCC) raised technical concerns regarding equipment) – does not mean that standards symmetric cables, radio frequency (RF), a document that has ramifications on how groups should ignore decades of convention microwave, and passive components. we measure RF power. Document 46 A or practice to facilitate change that would be TC 46 has been tasked with updating the 1027 CDV addresses IEC 61196-1-119, costly to the U.S. position. standards by changing the specifications to Coaxial communication cables – Part 1-119: We need participation from all in harmonize requests from other countries. Electrical test methods - R.F. Power Rating. monitoring the activities and attending With the global market affecting all aspects The U.S. requested a change of the term IEC TC meetings to firmly establish U.S. of communications, even subtle changes in “rms power.” The term is a misnomer and views. Luckily, the FCC caught this one and dimensions or material could mean that the is used incorrectly. For RF power: Vrms forwarded the information to TC 46. We connector interface or cables that we rely * Irms = average power, NOT rms power. wonder how many others are missed. n

volume 6 number 4 usnc/iec news and notes n 5 U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission

usnc news usnc news

New IEC Committees and Groups Need Your Participation ANSI eStandards Store Purchases Support USNC he IEC has approved of Ambient Assisted the establishment Living (AAL) tandards developed by IEC can T of a new Project standardization be purchased from a variety of Committee (PC), Technical work in IEC TCs, to websites, organizations, and third- Committee (TC), and two establish and achieve S party resellers. But to see the greatest Strategic Groups (SG). interoperability and benefits from dollars spent, USNC members The USNC has indicated interconnectivity should purchase standards directly from its intent to become a of AAL. AAL the American National Standards Institute participating member of stands for methods, (ANSI), since the revenue from ANSI’s these groups and is currently concepts, systems, eStandards store directly supports the welcoming interested parties products, and services activities and initiatives of the USNC. that would like to participate. supporting elderly The USNC/IEC is a totally integrated people and people committee of ANSI. As such, the Institute PC 118, Smart Grid with disabilities in provides administrative support to the USNC A new – and first – Project their daily lives, using and its nearly 1,400 managerial, engineering, Committee for the IEC. technical and social scientific, and professional participants. Initial Scope: Smart Grid as well as medical ANSI also provides the fiduciary User Interface, Part 1: Standard of exchange systems and providing accessibility. framework by which the USNC’s financial interface between demand-side smart equipment obligations are met, including the payment SG 6, Electrotechnology for Mobility and the grid and Smart Grid User Interface, Part of annual dues to IEC. And since ANSI is 3: Power Demand Response Standard Initial Scope: Management and coordination a non-profit organization, the revenue of standardization work for Electrotechnology earned from your purchase helps to support TC 119, Printed Electronics for Mobility in IEC, to establish and achieve the programs and services offered to Initial Scope: Standardization of interoperability and interconnectivity. USNC members, from workshops for terminology, materials, processes, U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Any entities interested in these positions equipments, products, and health/safety/ Administrators to this latest issue of the are invited to contact: environment which are related to the News and Notes newsletter. Tony Zertuche printing methods for electronics. When you purchase IEC standards from USNC/IEC Deputy General Secretary ANSI, you are making a commitment to Email: [email protected] SG 5, Ambient Assisted Living bolster U.S. leadership at the IEC table. And Tel: 212.642.4892 n Initial Scope: Management and coordination purchasing standards directly from ANSI’s eStandards Store offers the additional benefits of cost savings for ANSI members, usnc news personal service, and the convenience of Save the Date! USNC/IEC Instructor-Led Online Course March 28 one-stop shopping for more than 230,000 standards available for immediate download.

he USNC has set the date for its great detail, what to do before, during, and Further information instructor-led training course on Effective after a meeting, as well as how to put your Contact the ANSI customer support team T Participation in the Development of best foot forward when representing the (212.642.4980; [email protected]) or visit the Globally Relevant IEC Standards. The course United States. Also covered will be correct eStandards Store (webstore.ansi.org). n will be held March 28, 2012. delegate conduct and behavior and the most This course is designed to give tips of the effective ways to represent yourself as a trade and advice to those U.S. delegates who delegate for the United States. wish to work on and improve their skills as Registration details and further representatives. Participants will learn, in information are forthcoming. n

volume 6 number 4 usnc/iec news and notes n 6 U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission

usnc news

American Jonathan Colby Named IEC Young Professional Leader

he USNC is pleased to announce that conformity assessment in electrotechnology. Germany, to American Jonathon Colby was among Mr. Colby is a hydrodynamic engineer turn ideas into T the three international IEC Young with Verdant Power. A highly regarded action. The two Professionals voted as this year’s Young subject matter expert in marine hydrokinetic put together a Professional Leaders at the 75th IEC General energy, his technical leadership is recognized joint statement Meeting (GM) in Melbourne, Australia. The and respected by his fellow members of to the annual other two people receiving the highest number the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) German-U.S. of votes were Elaine Clayton of Australia and to IEC Technical Committee (TC) 114, dinner meeting David Tackie of Denmark. Marine energy. His product developments that highlighted Mr. Colby represented the United States as for marine renewable energy are considered their experiences one of the two U.S. winners of the 2011 IEC noteworthy milestones in the acceleration of from the Young Young Professionals Workshop competition, this technology. He served as chair for the Professionals Jonathan Colby held in conjunction with the 2011 GM. U.S. Shadow Committee for PT62600-200, Workshop and Launched in 2010 at the 74th IEC GM in Power Performance Assessment of Electricity laid out specific recommendations for the Seattle, the Young Professionals Program Producing Tidal Energy Converters. continuing success of the program. They brings together the world’s upcoming expert While in Melbourne, Mr. Colby wasted focused on ways to achieve the following engineers, technicians, and managers, and no time in taking on his leadership role, three main goals: provides them with the opportunity to shape and paired up with one of the 2010 Young n Teaching young professionals about the the future of international standardization and Professionals Leader, Janette Kothe of structures, procedures, and importance of the IEC n Helping young professionals get more USNC Announces Call for 2012 Young Professionals Nominees involved in the IEC community (as experts on national and international level) meetings, observe a meeting of the IEC n Providing fresh and independent input and Standardization Management Board, opinions to current discussions within the benefit from the guidance of a mentor, IEC community visit local industry, and network. Up to three recipients will be Mr. Colby will be working with the USNC financially supported for their travel and to help look at ways to develop the U.S. Following IEC General Secretary Ronnie up to three nights of accommodation. program, so you can expect to hear a good Amit’s official launch of the 2012 IEC U.S. stakeholders are encouraged to deal more from him in the near future. The Young Professionals Program, the USNC nominate young professionals involved USNC congratulates him and the other leaders n invites all members and stakeholders to in standardization from industry, on their outstanding achievement. submit nominations for U.S. participants government, academia, consumer for the Young Professionals Workshop. organizations, or any entity within the Janette Kothe of Germany was a 2010 Young Professionals Leader, featured on the IEC website. The workshop will be held in conjunction U.S. voluntary standards and conformity with the 76th IEC General Meeting in assessment community that uses, benefits Oslo, Norway, in October 2012. from, or contributes to the IEC’s work Alongside recipients from other in electrotechnical standardization and nations, the U.S. young professionals conformance. The program is targeted selected will learn more about the towards outstanding individuals who are IEC, standardization strategies, and in the early years of their professional conformity assessment. In addition to career, post university. the dedicated workshop, they will have Further details on how to submit the opportunity to attend technical nominations are forthcoming.

volume 6 number 4 usnc/iec news and notes n 7 U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission

iec headlines

Frans Vreeswijk Named Next IEC General Secretary and CEO

he IEC has announced that Frans Régis, and Past President Sei-ichi Takayanagi, Organization for Vreeswijk has been approved by the IEC Ph.D., was established to find a successor Standardization T Council as the next General Secretary who, in particular, would be able to take on (ISO). He is vice and CEO of the IEC, beginning October 1, the vital tasks defined in the 2011 Masterplan. president of the 2012. Mr. Vreeswijk will succeed Ronnie Amit Following an in-depth evaluation and a Philips Intellectual in the position after his 2012 retirement. particularly challenging selection process Property and Following Mr. Amit’s retirement due to a very high level of suitability among Standards (IP&S) announcement in 2010, a selection committee the candidates, the selection committee organization, comprising IEC President Klaus Wucherer, recommended that the Council approve responsible for Ph.D., Immediate Past President Jacques the appointment of Mr. Vreeswijk. The all healthcare recommendation was unanimously supported activities within Frans Vreeswijk A Year of Many Changes for the IEC by the Executive Committee (ExCo) and the IP&S and member Council Board (CB) at their October 2011 of its Executive Management Team (EMT). He 2011 was a busy and an exciting year for meetings, and was then approved by Council. previously oversaw all standardization activities the IEC. We completed the Masterplan, which To ensure a smooth transition, Mr. within the organization, where he has worked will guide the IEC’s strategy and actions for Vreeswijk will commence his duties as Deputy since 2005. the coming years. The SMB is continuing to General Secretary in March 2012, assuming Earlier in his career he worked for many review the standards development process his full role as General Secretary and CEO at years in the research and consumer electronics in order to further improve efficiency and is taking measures to increase effective the 2012 Oslo General Meeting. Mr. Amit will divisions of Philips. He was a development participation of P-members in TC/SCs. remain available full-time as Special Adviser manager and member of the management CAB is preparing for the systems to the IEC President through January 2013, and teams for VCRs, New Business, Digital approach in conformity assessment and has then on a reduced-time basis until completion TV, and FlatTV. He holds an MS degree in intensified work in the areas of renewables of the February 2014 management meetings. electrical engineering from Delft University such as wind and marine energy, as well as Mr. Vreeswijk is currently president of of Technology. for energy efficiency. The MSB is about to the Dutch National Committee (NEC) to The USNC congratulates Mr. Vreeswijk publish a White Paper on Energy Storage, the IEC, and a board member of the Dutch on his appoinment and looks forward to a which it developed jointly with the Fraunhofer National Committee (NEN) to the International productive period under his leadership. n Institute, and the Affiliate Country Programme has celebrated its 10th anniversary. It was also a year of many changes: new IEC new feature! latest literature from the iec Officers started their work and others are now reaching the end of their second term, leaving Stay up on all the recent brochures, news releases, and other their place for a new group of people. Council publications from the IEC by clicking on the links below. Board has confirmed the election of Frans Vreeswijk, who will start at the IEC on March 1 e-tech Magazine – News & Views and will take over from me in October 2012. www.iec.ch/etech/2011/pdf/etech_2011-10_LR.pdf There are unfortunately areas that haven’t changed as much as we would have liked. For Welcome to the IEC one, the global economy is still shaky and in an www.iec.ch/about/brochures/pdf/about_iec/iec_welcome_en_2010_lr.pdf effort to support our membership, the IEC has further reduced its budget while maintaining IEC Masterplan and increasing its tools and services. Looking ahead at the coming year, we are www.iec.ch/about/brochures/pdf/strategy/masterplan.pdf confident that the IEC is on the right track to address the challenges facing us. We thank 2012 IECEx International Conference you for your work and commitment and I wish www.iec.ch/meetings/events/pdf/iecex_conference_2012.pdf your family and loved-ones, health, peace, and prosperity in the coming New Year. IEC – IEEE Global Academic Challenge —Ronnie Amit, IEC General Secretary and CEO www.iecieeechallenge.org/

volume 6 number 4 usnc/iec news and notes n 8 U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission

iec headlines iec headlines

IEC and IEEE Launch Global Academic Challenge JTC 1 Plenary in San Diego Moves ICT Standardization Forward

he IEC and IEEE have announced n November 7-12, the American she has truly taken JTC 1 to a new level.” the IEC-IEEE Challenge – a global National Standards Institute Prompted by previous work related to T competition centered on the theme “How O (ANSI) hosted the 26th plenary energy efficiency and greening, JTC 1 created does electrotechnology impact economic, meeting of the International Organization for Subcommittee (SC) 39, Sustainability of social, and environmental development?” Standardization (ISO) and IEC Joint Technical and by IT, with the United States offering Applicants are invited to submit and Committee (JTC) 1, Information Technology to provide the chairman and serve as the debate research that explores the wide Standards, in San Diego. secretariat. JTC 1 also congratulated SC range of sociological, political, economic, From computers and credit cards to 38, Distributed Application Platforms and and environmental benefits provided by information security to RFID, JTC 1 has Services, for finalizing its study group report electrotechnology. The competition is open advanced the standardization needs of on cloud computing. to anyone affiliated with an institution information and communications technologies JTC 1 extended the scope of one of its of higher education, including faculty, (ICT) around the world. The 26th plenary subcommittees to allow it to respond to professors, lecturers, post-graduate students, meeting drew 140 representatives from 22 technology developments, in particular in the and teaching and research staff. ISO/IEC national member bodies and liaison area of augmented reality. It also encouraged “The challenge is a really exciting organizations to further standardization its subcommittees to take up new work and its opportunity for us to reflect on the last 100 activities in the field. special working group on planning to explore years of electrotechnological innovation, The United States plays a leading role new areas. Other achievements included the which has seen more inventions produced in the work of ISO/IEC JTC 1, with ANSI continuation of its ad hoc group on Incubator than in the history of mankind,” said IEC serving as secretariat and the InterNational and approval of Incubator Operational CEO and General Secretary Ronnie Amit. Committee for Information Technology Principles for a one-year pilot project, which “We are appealing to the leading academic Standards (INCITS) administering the U.S. may result in two Incubator Groups being thinkers from the spheres of science, Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to JTC 1. created (on Digital Preservation and Wireless engineering, economics, and beyond to In addition to this leadership role, INCITS Power Transfer/Application for ICT). JTC 1 demonstrate how electrotechnology has provided the funding for the meeting and was also moved to extend the term of its ad hoc shaped and influenced how we live, work, praised by the participants for the outstanding groups on Structure and on Enabling Tools, and conduct business today.” facilities and meeting organization. and directed the work of its special working Submissions will be judged by a panel At the meeting, Karen Higginbottom, group on Smart Grid for the coming year. including Jacques Régis, former CEO director of standards at Hewlett Packard, JTC 1 received reports from of Hydro Quebec in Montréal and IEC was appointed for a second three-year representatives of its liaison organizations immediate past president; Dr. Moshe Kam, term as JTC 1 chair. including ITU-T, IEC TC100, ISO TC215 and department head of electrical and computer “Under Karen’s leadership, the Ecma International, as well as PAS Submitters engineering, Drexel University, and 2011 committee has made tremendous progress (DMTF, OASIS, OMG, SNIA, TCG, The IEEE president; and Paul Markillie, toward a large number of key objectives,” Open Group, W3C, and the UPnP Forum). It innovation editor at The Economist. said ANSI senior vice president and chief noted with significant interest the excellent First ($20,000), second ($15,000), operating officer Frances Schrotter in her collaborative process which has led to more and third ($10,000) place winners will opening remarks. “There is no doubt that than 20 Publicly Available Specifications be honored at a ceremony during the IEC (PAS) approved General Meeting in October 2012 in Oslo, last year as ISO/ Attendees at the 2011 ISO/IEC JTC 1 plenary in San Diego Norway. The deadline for final registration IEC standards from is midnight, March 1, 2012 (UTC); these submitters. submissions must be completed by July 1, The next ISO/ 2012, via www.IECIEEEChallenge.org. IEC JTC 1 plenary is scheduled for Further Information November Visit www.IECIEEEChallenge.org.htm. n 5-10, 2012 in Jeju, Korea. n

volume 6 number 4 usnc/iec news and notes n 9 U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission

conformity assessment

2012 IECEx International Conference on Equipment and Services in Explosive Atmospheres Announced

he IEC and IEC System for Certification competence. Issues concerning requirements to Standards Relating to Equipment and regulations in the Gulf Cooperation T for Use in Explosive Atmospheres Council (GCC) region will also be covered. (IECEx), together with the Emirates Authority Through their presentations and direct for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA), contact with participants, these experts will and in conjunction with the UN Economic share their experience and detailed knowledge Commission for Europe (UNECE), have on all matters pertaining to the Ex field, announced the 2012 IECEx conference such as plant design, principles and practical “Equipment and Services in Explosive applications of area classification, installation, Atmospheres” in Dubai on March 20-21, 2012. and repair, in compliance to IEC International The two-day event is a unique opportunity Standards. The event will provide a valuable number of schemes that provide assurance that for industries in the region to get better infomational and networking opportunity to equipment and systems are manufactured and acquainted with IECEx and find out how they anyone involved in the Ex sector. operated according to the highest international can best benefit from the systems. The IEC has long been involved in standards of safety: The conference will bring together developing International Standards for experts from all over the world involved equipment used in hazardous areas. Set up n Equipment – the IECEx Certified in international standardization, equipment in 1946, IEC Technical Committee (TC) 31, Equipment Scheme manufacturing, inspection, repair, and Equipment for explosive atmospheres, has a n Services – the IECEx Certified Service overhaul of Ex equipment and systems, and complete series of International Standards Facilities Scheme (e.g., repair and overhaul) the assessment and certification of personnel that cover all specific requirements for n Personnel competence – IECEx Ex equipment Certification of Personnel Competence and systems, Scheme (CoPC) laugh track from general Happy Holidays to Your Family from the USNC/IEC requirements to Through more than 50 IECEx-approved protection levels Ex certification bodies in 30 countries, IECEx for apparatus used certification has become the world’s single by all sectors best practice for demonstrating compliance that operate with International Standards. Its credentials in hazardous include acceptance by end-users – oil and gas environments, such producers, mining, transportation, and many as oil refineries, more – and also the recent formal endorsement offshore oil rigs, by the United Nations, through UNECE, as gas plants, mines, the recommended model for regulating the sugar refineries, safety of equipment and persons working in flour mills, grain areas where the potential for an explosive silos, and the paper atmosphere may exist. and textile sectors. As a way Further information to ensure The 2012 IECEx conference will be held at compliance with the Dubai Grand Hyatt Hotel, March 20-21, its International 2012; admission is free but registration is Standards, the IEC required. To reserve your place, visit the established IECEx. event website at www.iecex.com/dubai/ Since its inception or send your contact information to in 1996, IECEx [email protected]. For more information on has put in place a IECEx, visit www.iecex.com. n

volume 6 number 4 usnc/iec news and notes n 10 U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission

conformity assessment save the dates

Experts from around the Globe Discuss the Value of International Standards in Conformity Assessment Upcoming Meetings & Events

ore than 90 international convenor of WG 31, spoke on the revision of JANUARY 2012 experts gathered in Montreux, the existing ISO/IEC 17020:1998, General CAPCC/TMC/Council Switzerland, for an October criteria for the operation of various types Meetings M January 24–26 meeting to exchange information and insights of bodies performing inspection. Laurent on the role of conformity assessment as a Camberou, convenor of WG 33, presented on HP Offices, Palo Alto, CA vital component of world trade. ISO/IEC Technical Specification (TS) 17022, FEBRUARY 2012 According to event host the International Conformity assessment – Requirements JDMT/DMT/SMB Meeting Organization for Standardization (ISO), “The and recommendations for the content of a February 13–15, Geneva, Switzerland use of ISO/IEC standards in conformity third-party audit report on management assessment procedures allows for harmonization systems. Christian Priller, convenor of WG MAY 2012 CAPCC/TMC/Council Meetings throughout the world, and this, in turn, not only 29, spoke about ISO/IEC Guide 65:1996, May 1–3, TIA, Arlington, VA facilitates international trade between countries General requirements for bodies operating but also facilitates trade within countries by product certification systems, and the future COPANT General Assembly giving the purchaser of the product or service ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment – Period between May 7–18 confidence that it meets the requirements.” Requirements for bodies certifying products, Fortaleza, Brazil Among the day’s sessions, Randy A. processes and services. Christian Priller on JUNE 2012 Dougherty and Alister Dalrymple, co- behalf of Ian Cleare, convenor of WG 32, PASC Meeting convenors of ISO’s Conformity Assessment presented the revision of ISO/IEC Guide June 4–8, Yeosu, Republic of Korea Committee (CASCO) working group 67, Conformity assessment – Fundamentals (WG) 21, led a tutorial on changes to ISO/ of product certification. Cynthia Woodley, CAB/SMB/CB Meetings IEC 17021:2011, Conformity assessment – convenor of WG 30, updated attendees on June 11–14, Boston, MA Requirements for bodies providing audit and revisions to ISO/IEC 17024, Conformity August 2012 certification of management system,which assessment – General requirements for bodies CAPCC/TMC/Council Meetings was published in February 2011. operating certification of persons. August 28–30 (location TBD) Parallel sessions were also held on five ISO Deputy Secretary-General Kevin of the ISO CASCO WGs. Marcus Schmid, McKinley paid tribute to Mr. Peyrat for his September 2012 contributions as ISO ISO General Assembly Attendees at the Montreux, Switzerland, meeting on conformity assessment CASCO chair; his term September 16–22, San Diego, CA will end on December October 2012 31, 2011. He will be 76th IEC General Meeting succeeded by Lane October 1 – 5, Oslo, Norway Hallenbeck, vice president SMB Meeting October 1 for accreditation services CAB Meeting October 2 at the American Council Board October 3 National Standards Council Meeting October 5 Institute (ANSI). n

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION of the electrotechnical community. HOW TO CONTRIBUTE The USNC News and Notes Some articles are reprinted with Contributions are gladly accepted newsletter is distributed to the permission from the IEC News log. for review and possible publication, constituency of the United States subject to revision by the editors. Published in ANSI’s NYC Office National Committee (USNC) of DISCLAIMER Submit proposed news items to: 25 West 43rd Street the International Electrotechnical The opinions expressed by the Tony Zertuche, USNC/IEC Deputy Fourth Floor Commission (IEC). It provides updates authors are theirs alone and do General Secretary, ANSI New York, NY 10036 on technical activities and other not necessarily reflect the opinions 212.642.4892 www.ansi.org information of interest to members of the USNC/IEC nor ANSI. [email protected]

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