Call for tighter standards

Tighter standards, covering an ever wider range of products and systems, are the only way forward for the electrical industry.

Tighter standards, covering an ever wider range of products and systems, are the only way forward for the electrical industry, says electrical power distribution, automation and industrial control expert, Schneider Electric.

The company believes that safety is the overriding requirement for all electrical installations and systems, and that safety can only be reliably achieved through adherence to well drafted standards.

"Today, there is constant demand for lower and lower prices", said Paul Galbraith, standards manager for Schneider Electric, "which means that there is pressure to dumb down existing standards, and to oppose the introduction of new ones.

Such pressure is, however, at best misguided and at worst outright dangerous".

"The only way to ensure that components and systems perform correctly and safely", continued Galbraith, "is to test them in line with carefully formulated standards.

If this means that prices are a little higher, then so be it.

Low prices can never, under any circumstances, be allowed to take precedence over safety".

In support of its commitment to standards, Schneider Electric ensures that products, systems and services supplied by its brands, which include Merlin Gerin, Modicon, Sarel, Square D and Telemecanique, are always fully tested to, and frequently beyond, the requirements of all relevant major standards.

Where necessary and appropriate, the company is happy to provide documentary evidence of testing.

In addition, Schneider Electric plays an active role in the development and formulation of new standards, and in the updating of existing standards.

The company's expert engineers sit on many standards committees within and outside the UK where, with the benefit of feedback from Schneider Electric's huge customer base, they champion the cause of better, safer electrical equipment for the future.

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