IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is an international standards organization based in Geneva. It develops and publishes standards in the fields of electrical engineering and electronics.

The organization was founded in London in 1906 and has had its headquarters in Geneva since 1948. The aim of the IEC is to harmonize international standards and thus ensure the safety, quality and compatibility of electrical and electronic systems.

One of the IEC’s early tasks was to standardize units of measurement such as Gauss, Hertz and Weber. Today, its field of activity covers all electrical engineering and electronics, meaning that it plays a central role in the development of international norms and standards.

IEC standards are often adopted in Germany as DIN IEC and labeled accordingly. They form the basis for numerous certifications, test procedures and test marks and in particular contain requirements for the safety, quality and performance of electrical products and systems.