What is difference between ANSI and IEC ?

Title: What is the Difference Between ANSI and IEC?

Electrotechnical standards are essential to ensure the safety, efficiency, and compatibility of electrical systems. Two major organizations that develop and publish these standards are the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). In this article, we will explore the differences between ANSI and IEC, including their geographical scope, scope of operations, and the types of standards they develop.

Scope:

ANSI, founded in 1906, is primarily focused on standards required within the United States. It caters to the needs of the American industry and is responsible for developing and publishing standards for the U.S. market. In contrast, IEC, established in 1906, has a more global scope. It operates on a global scale and facilitates international cooperation on all aspects of electrotechnology. IEC brings together experts from different countries to develop and promote standards that ensure safety, efficiency, and compatibility of electrical systems.

Differences:

**Geographical Scope:** ANSI primarily focuses on standards relevant to the American industry, while IEC has a broader international scope.

**Standards Development Process:** IEC has a more structured development process for standards, which involves multiple international consultations and review. ANSI's development process is more streamlined and allows for faster development of new standards.

**Standards Format:** IEC's standards are developed using the IEC 61850-10-1 standard, which has a structured format for electrical power systems and is widely used for the development of smart grids. ANSI's standards are developed using the ANSI/IEC 61850-4 standard, which is similar to IEC 61850-10-1 but has a more limited scope.

**Recognition:** IEC's standards are widely recognized and adopted in many countries around the world, including the United States. ANSI's standards are also widely recognized, but their adoption is typically more limited to the American market.

Conclusion:

ANSI and IEC are both important organizations that develop and publish electrotechnical standards. While they share a common goal, there are notable differences between them, including their geographical scope, development processes, standards formats, and recognition. Understanding these differences is essential for selecting the appropriate organization to develop standards for your specific needs.