The AGM of the British Electrotechnical Committee (BEC) was held in November at IET, Savoy Place, London. A full capacity attendance saw the presentation of IEC 1906 Awards to 14 members and a Distinguished Service Certificate to Derek Washington. Here are some of the other highlights
Launch of New BEC logo - The President, Geoff Young, unveiled the new BEC logo (see above) as part of the campaign to raise awareness and promote the work of BEC.
BS 7671: 2008, 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations - The President confirmed this new edition would be published in January 2008.
CENELEC - the organization has grown to 30 member countries and as a result the governing bodies have been restructured. Three new areas of standards development have been established during the year - Green data services - eHealth and Home Building & Electronics
IEC - BEC continue to be involved at Council, Standards Management Board and Conformity Assessment Board levels. The IEC will have a new President in 2008 from Canada. There are currently 68 Member countries and 76 affiliates. The IEC master plan and objectives for 2008 aim to increase visibility, reduce dues, improve service to market, strengthen the National Electrotechnical Committees and increase direct input.
Challenges facing International Standardization - Mike Low, Director of British Standards, spoke about the scope for UK to take a lead in the Electrotechnical Sector, producing 'Green Standards' and 'Collections of Information'. He reported on the progress of the FLES project in Europe for closer working of CEN and CENELEC which involves streamlining back office functions to bring efficiencies in working practices, Joint committees (such as energy management) to avoid duplication of effort, common rules, centrally co-ordinated dispute resolution and building common relationships with other countries outside EU.
Energy efficiency, Sustainability and Changes in the Environmental Agenda - H Porter Marketing Director for BEAMA gave a presentation providing food for thought as he looked at the impact Governments' belief in climate change would continue to make on electrical products. Accommodating low carbon emissions is just one aspect. Design and development of new products will have to take into account where energy will come from in the future, different National and Regional carbon-zero targets, interoperability of different systems. He gave smart metering as an example and stressed the need for industry to react speedily to new EU Directives which could extend to non-energy using products. He looked at the role of standards to assist future developments whilst not restricting innovation.
