CHAPTER 1 - Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?

Abstract

With the increased globalization of trade and worldwide electrical product development competition, the importance of the development of flexible, cooperative, and consensus-driven harmonized American standards has become evident. To assure the continued sale of American exports throughout the world, the US government must continue to use their influence and cooperation with foreign governments to assure the continued development of voluntary, consensus, internationally accepted American standards. In the past, the international recognition and use of US codes and standards readily allowed the worldwide sale of American goods and services. However, with the emergence of the European Union and other regional trade organizations, the necessary compliance of American goods and services with local standards requirements and certifications has become challenging. Many emerging economies have adopted ISO and IEC standards. The growth of the use of ISO and IEC standards has challenged US competitiveness. The electrical engineering codes, standards, and recommended practices examined in this chapter include those generally involved with voluntary, consensus standards in electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution in both utilities and residential/commercial/ industrial facilities. It also examines the codes and standards used for the wire and cable aspects for power transmission and distribution. Specific communications, instrumentation, data processing, aviation, marine, automotive/trucking, mining, and railroad equipment aspects are not examined. However, limited shipboard, communications, and instrumentation cabling codes, and standards are examined.