ANSI: American National Standards Institute

August 31, 2024 3 min read Technology Standards ANSI Standards Non-Profit Organization Technical Norms Accreditation

A comprehensive guide to ANSI, a private non-profit organization that oversees the creation and dissemination of norms and standards in various technical fields.

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The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standards and conformity assessment system. Founded in 1918, ANSI plays a critical role in the development of numerous standards that impact a wide range of industrial sectors.

Overview of ANSI

Definition

ANSI is responsible for overseeing the creation, promulgation, and use of thousands of norms and guidelines directly impacting businesses in nearly every sector: from energy distribution to information technology, and from natural resources to finance.

Mission

The mission of ANSI is to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the American quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems and safeguarding their integrity.

Historical Context

ANSI was originally formed as the American Engineering Standards Committee (AESC) in October 1918. The name was changed to the American Standards Association (ASA) in 1928, the United States of America Standards Institute (USASI) in 1966, and finally to ANSI in 1969.

Key Milestones

1918: Formation of AESC.
1928: Renaming to American Standards Association (ASA).
1966: Transition to United States of America Standards Institute (USASI).
1969: Final transition to American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Functions and Responsibilities

Standards Development

ANSI oversees the development of standards by accrediting the procedures of standards organizations. These standards are used by organizations to develop processes, products, services, and systems.

Accreditation

ANSI is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and, through the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It ensures that standards developed are globally recognized and adopted.

Conformity Assessment

ANSI accredits programs that assess conformance to standards. This includes product certification, personnel certification, and management system registration.

Examples of ANSI Standards

ANSI Z87.1

A standard providing criteria for the design, performance, testing, and use of devices used for protection against hazards like flying objects, vibration, and chemical exposures in occupational and educational settings.

ANSI C63.4

This standard details the procedures for compliance testing of unintentional radiators (e.g., TV and radio receivers, personal computers) for electromagnetic and wireless devices.

Applicability

ANSI standards are applicable in various industrial sectors including:

Information Technology: Establishing protocols for interoperability.
Healthcare: Developing standards for medical devices.
Engineering: Outlining safety standards for machinery.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization): An international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations.
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): An international standards organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies.
Accreditation: The process of certifying that a standards-developing organization complies with specific procedures and criteria.

FAQs

What does ANSI do?

ANSI’s primary function includes overseeing the creation, dissemination, and adoption of voluntary consensus standards and accrediting programs that evaluate products, services, processes, and personnel.

How is ANSI different from ISO?

ANSI is a national organization representing the United States in the global standards arena, whereas ISO is an international organization with a broader mandate, developing standards used worldwide.

Is ANSI a government agency?

No, ANSI is a private non-profit organization, but it works closely with the U.S. federal government and other industry stakeholders.

References

Summary

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is integral to the standardization and conformity assessment landscape in the United States. By overseeing the development and dissemination of standards across a myriad of industries, ANSI ensures that American products and services are competitive and meet high-quality benchmarks. As a liaison for international standards organizations like ISO and IEC, ANSI also aids in the global harmonization of standards.