What is the difference between IEC and BS EN standards ?

IEC and BS EN standards are both international and national standards that aim to ensure the safety and quality of electrical and electronic products. Both standards organizations, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the British Standards Institution (BS), develop and maintain these standards. However, there are significant differences between the two.

Geographic Scope:

IEC standards have a global scope and are recognized internationally. They are developed by the IEC Technical Committee and published under the IEC 61850-10-1 standard. EN standards, on the other hand, are specific to the European region and primarily applicable within the EU member states. They are developed by the CEN and CENELEC Technical committees and published under the EN 61850-10-1 standard.

EN Standards:

EN standards are developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC). These standards primarily focus on harmonizing specifications within the European Union (EU) member states. EN standards incorporate the principles and requirements set by the EU's New Approach Directives, aiming to ensure free movement of goods across member countries.

IEC Standards:

IEC standards have a global perspective and address the needs of a large international audience. They are developed by the IEC Technical Committee and published under the IEC 61850-10-1 standard. IEC standards are recognized internationally and are suitable for products outside the EU market.

Differences:

While there may be some overlap between IEC and EN standards, there are notable distinctions. EN standards are primarily focused on the EU market, while IEC standards have a global scope. EN standards incorporate additional requirements, testing methods, and parameters that are relevant to the European market, while IEC standards address factors such as environmental conditions, legal and regulatory requirements, and European-specific safety norms.

Compliance with EN standards is necessary for manufacturers aiming to sell their products within the European Economic Area (EEA), while compliance with IEC standards is necessary for manufacturers outside the EEA. Additionally, while EN standards are recognized as harmonized standards within the EU, IEC standards are not.

In conclusion, IEC and EN standards are both important and recognized within the global electrical and electronic industry. While they share some similarities, they have distinct differences in terms of their geographic scope, focus, and requirements. Compliance with these standards is essential for manufacturers to ensure the safety and quality of their products, while also meeting the specific requirements of the relevant market.