Primer on Standards - OEK - OVE

IntroductionThis primer is intended as a basic introduction to the influential, challenging andyet relatively unknown world of electrotechnical standardization. Whether youstudy or teach, work in a small family business, a law firm, or a multinational,whether you manufacture, market or simply use electrotechnical products, thisguide will provide answers to your most common questions. It will also give youa closer look at CENELEC, the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization,the main topic of this booklet.Although at first the term standardization may summon images of a facelessBrave New World where everything is the same shape and size, nothing is furtherfrom the truth! Standardization is actually a highly efficient way to achievemobility through compatibility, and quality through market-driven needs. Standards,in fact, are so much a part of our lives that we no longer even notice they arearound - until something happens to show how vital they really are.Even though standardization's most pressing goal is undoubtedly to ensure safety,it also facilitates commerce and eases communication. European standardization,as we will see throughout this booklet, fosters economic exchanges when aproduct conforming to the standards of one European country is granted accessto all of CENELEC 22 member countries because CENELEC standards are identicalfrom Portugal to Finland, from Malta to Iceland.In our increasingly global world, acquaintance with standards has grown on themanufacturer’s side in their need to refer to them when they place their goodson the European market. However among consumers and others not directlyinvolved in manufacturing, the general rule is still lack of awareness, misconceptionsand confusion. This is quite understandable, though, as standards are highlycomplex animals with numbered references, multiple amendments, and regularupdates to keep pace with technology. This is why we have included a chapterin this guide that explains basically just what a standard is, the different kindsof standards, why they should be applied by industries and the advantages forconsumers.Throughout the world, standardization in each country or region is flavoured byits specific historical, economic and cultural context. Many of Europe's best recipesare the product of co-operation between European legislation and standardizers.The process has a terminology of its own, and it is not easy to grasp conceptssuch as harmonized standards, New Approach Directives, and presumption ofconformity, learn know standards are developed and to which products they apply,or comprehend their relationship with European Legislation. This guide will tryto clarify these and other questions as simply as possible.4 CENELEC. <strong>Primer</strong> on Standards