What types of standards are there?
Standards are differentiated according to standard type. They relate to the area of application that is regulated by the standard.
- Basic standards have a wide area of application or contain general specifications for a specific area.
- Test standards deal with test procedures.
- Terminology standards deal with terms, which are supplemented with their definitions and sometimes with explanatory comments, images, examples or similar.
- Product standards specify requirements that must be met by a product/range to ensure fitness for purpose.
- Service standards specify requirements that must be fulfilled by a service.
- Process standards define requirements that must be met by a process to ensure utility.
- Interface standards define requirements that deal with the compatibility of products or systems at connection points.
Where does the standard come from?
The alphanumeric designation before the standard number indicates the origin of the standard and the level at which it is recognized. A distinction is made between national, European and international standards.
- SN Swiss standard, with predominantly national significance
- EN or SN EN European standard or Swiss edition of a European standard
- ISO or SN EN ISO
International standard or Swiss edition of a European standard, e.g: SN EN ISO 9001 "Quality management systems - Requirements"
Standards and law
Safety in electrical installations
The aim of the NIN (Low Voltage Installation Standard) is to ensure the safety of persons, animals and property from danger and damage that may arise from the inappropriate use of electrical installations.
NIN/SN 411000 contains corresponding rules for the planning, installation and testing of electrical systems that are supplied with rated voltages of up to 1000V AC or 1500V DC. (Electrosuisse is the publisher of the NIN.)
In accordance with the requirements of the Low Voltage Installation Ordinance, NIV, electrical installations must be inspected at regular intervals after installation.
Detailed information on the safety certificate and much more can be found on the EIT.swiss website.
