The previous 3 sections on standards indicated how standards are technically and administratively created. When a standard becomes available, it can be ordered, both digitally and in print, from national standardization institutes such as NEN in the Netherlands. (www.nen.nl).
But what is the value of such a document? How do I read it? Is following it mandatory?
To start with the last point, following a standard is not obliged unless:
-a binding agreement has been made about it in an agreement or contract
-following a certain standard is required by law
In other words, following a standard is in many cases a voluntary appointment between parties about, for example, the conditions under which a component/product should be produced, such as the design of a cleanroom, setting up ESD safe areas and the like.
If it is voluntary then why all the effort to come up with international standards?
A standard is a document that ensures that something is done in a clear and consistent manner.
They contain instructions, guidelines, definitions and required values that can be used in designing, producing, installing, testing and certifying, maintaining and repairing electrical/electronic devices and systems. Based on combined international knowledge and consensus. By using standards, a lot of extra work (reinventing the wheel) and confusion can be avoided. For example, an ESD-safe floor must be installed. Then it is sufficient to state in the work order that it must comply with what is described in IEC 61340-5-1. The same applies to the purchase of, for example, ESD-safe tables, etc. This creates clear agreements that provide quality, reliability and confidence in products, deliveries and services.
Since many standards in our field are not translated but appear in French or English, the IEC provides us with some guidelines on how to use/interpret certain words consistently in order to avoid misunderstandings.
-Must Law of nature There is no other way
-shall it is required that Compulsory
-should it be recommended that Urgent advice
-may permitted/allowed Signifies permission
-can be able to/there is a possibility of Open possibility
Most problems occur when using shall and should.
As an example, a sentence in a technical report compared to the same sentence in a standard:
-Clamp electrodes should be attached as follows… (informative/non-binding) Clamp electrodes be able to be connected as follows
-Clamp electrodes shall be attached as follows… (normative/mandatory) Clamp electrodes must be connected as follows.
The next section on standards will discuss, among other things, “Tailoring” of the requirements.
Any questions or comments about standards? We would love to hear them.
Bas Grootemaat
Kingsize Consultancy
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