As part of its growing portfolio of products, the IEC has officially launched its standards as extended versions (EXV). With the extended version, users will be able to seamlessly and efficiently consult IEC publications from a single document.

Recognizing that it may be difficult and time consuming to consult IEC Standards and its references simultaneously, the extended version compiles the key information and content into a single, easy to use document. The extended version includes the relevant clauses from one publication inserted directly into the second publication and highlighted for easy reference.

"We are very excited to offer IEC publications as extended versions. This will allow users to have an enhanced experience with our standards while also saving precious time," noted Guilaine Fournet, Head of Sales & Business Development.

Over 10 IEC Standards were published at the end of 2022 as extended versions. Several manufacturers, interviewed as part of the market research to better understanding user needs, expressed their enthusiasm. Market interest is high.

According to a representative from a leading manufacturing company in Germany, "EXVs help a lot and provide huge benefit. They are easier to read and will be very beneficial for those who are relatively new to standards as it reduces the number of documents to be read simultaneously."

Another manufacturer from Japan agreed. "It is easy to understand the relationships between documents with the EXV rather than existing standards. It will help to save time in reading and understanding publications."

The EXV will also be beneficial to those who are new to standards. New standard users will be able to save time by accessing all of the necessary information from a single document. As notes another manufacturer from Germany, "EXV can target people that are not yet into standardization. The next generation of users would like quick and easy access to information and this could provide the answer."

In 2023, the IEC expects to publish over 60 standards as extended versions. These EXV will primarily be developed from standards in existing series that have been developed by the following IEC technical committees and subcommittees:

IEC TC 61, Safety of household and similar electrical appliances,

IEC SC 61B, Safety of microwave appliances for household and commercial use,

IEC TC 66, Safety of measuring, control and laboratory equipment,

IEC SC 17A, Switching devices,

IEC TC 96, Transformers, reactors, power supply units, and combinations thereof, and

IEC TC 116, Safety of motor-operated electric tools

(Source: IEC)