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What is a Standard?DefinitionAccording to the National Standards Policy Advisory Committee a standard is: "A prescribed set of rules, conditions, or requirements concerning definitions of terms; classification of components; specification of materials, performance, or operations; delineation of procedures; or measurement of quantity and quality in describing materials, products, systems, services, or practices."[1] Who uses standards?Standards are used by producers and consumers of goods and services. Engineers generally need to consult the appropriate standards when creating new products, processes, or designs. Why are standards necessary?They specify how an item should be made by providing exact measurements and specifications about materials and processes. Standards are responsible for ensuring safety, reliability, quality, interchangeability of parts, and consistency of products and processes within and across national borders. Standards ensure that any brand of light bulb can fit a lamp or any brand appliance can be plugged into an electrical socket.Who issues standards?Standards are formulated by standard developing organizations (SDOs), which can be a government agency, trade association, professional society, international or regional organization, or a private company. [Index of Standard Developing Organizations] What does a standard reference look like?References to standards usually look like one of the following. Notice that all references generally contain the name of the issuing body and the standard number.  [2]
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