Standards and You [Catching Rays]

There are literally dozens of standards associations worldwide (almost every nation has some type of regulating unit for standards). Some relate only to national equipment requirements, while several are recognized on a global basis, where their standards must be adhered to for product acceptance. Unfortunately, most engineering students will get, at best, limited exposure to standards during their academic experience. If discussed at all, the topic will most often be covered as part of the capstone project during their senior year of college. One of the requirements for ABET accreditation of engineering programs is that engineering standards be covered in some manner, but the depth of the coverage is not prescribed. Regardless of the particular field of engineering the student pursues, there will be standards that apply. Whether a person is designing a new television or planning an installation of an air-conditioning system, he or she must adhere to standards.