IEC Guide 115-2023 PDF

Full title and description

IEC Guide 115:2023 — Application of measurement uncertainty to conformity assessment activities in the electrotechnical sector. This guide provides a practical approach to applying measurement uncertainty principles specifically for electrical safety testing and conformity assessment, with worked examples and calculation guidance intended for use in IECEE Schemes and by testing laboratories working to national and international safety standards.

Abstract

IEC Guide 115:2023 explains how to interpret and apply uncertainty of measurement concepts within conformity assessment processes in the electrotechnical sector. It links the measurement-uncertainty requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 to practical product-safety testing carried out under the IECEE CB Scheme, offering calculation methods, pragmatic assumptions, and example computations to support consistent, repeatable conformity decisions across laboratories.

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: 12 April 2023.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.020 (Metrology) / 19.080 (Electrical and electronic testing).
• Edition / version: Edition 3.0 (Ed. 3.0, 2023).
• Number of pages: 49 pages (official IEC publication listing).

Scope

This guide presents a practical, example-driven method for applying measurement uncertainty to conformity assessment activities in the electrotechnical sector. It is intended primarily for IECEE CB Scheme activities and testing laboratories that perform electrical safety tests to national or IEC-based standards, and it addresses how to meet and interpret measurement-uncertainty expectations in the context of conformity decisions and reporting.

Key topics and requirements

• Fundamental principles of measurement uncertainty and their relevance to conformity assessment.
• Guidance on constructing uncertainty budgets for typical electrical safety tests.
• Practical calculation methods and worked examples for product-testing scenarios.
• Application of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements to test results used for conformity decisions.
• Recommendations for harmonized practice across IECEE testing laboratories to improve repeatability and reproducibility.

Typical use and users

Primary users are testing laboratory engineers and managers, conformity assessment bodies, IECEE CB Scheme participants, accreditation assessors, and manufacturers’ compliance teams. The guide is used to develop laboratory uncertainty budgets, to interpret test results relative to pass/fail criteria, to support peer acceptance of test reports within multilateral schemes, and to train personnel in consistent uncertainty practice.

Related standards

Closely related to ISO/IEC 17025 (general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories) and to IECEE CB Scheme procedures and guidance documents. IEC Guide 115:2023 supersedes and updates previous editions (including the 2007 edition and the 2021 revisions), aligning practical uncertainty treatment with current IECEE CTL expectations.

Keywords

measurement uncertainty, conformity assessment, IECEE, CB Scheme, ISO/IEC 17025, electrical safety testing, uncertainty budget, test laboratories, repeatability, reproducibility

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC Guide 115:2023 is an IEC Guide offering practical guidance on applying measurement uncertainty to conformity assessment activities in the electrotechnical sector, with a focus on product safety testing and IECEE Scheme use.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers principles and methods for estimating and applying measurement uncertainty in test results used for conformity decisions, includes worked examples, and explains how to meet the measurement-uncertainty expectations of ISO/IEC 17025 in the context of electrical product testing.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Testing laboratories, conformity assessment bodies (including IECEE CB Scheme participants), accreditation assessors, and manufacturers’ compliance or quality teams involved in electrical product testing and certification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC Guide 115:2023 is the current edition published on 12 April 2023 (Edition 3.0). It replaces earlier editions and revisions (for example the 2007 edition and interim 2021 revisions).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is an IEC Guide produced under the IEC system (prepared by the IECEE Committee of Testing Laboratories, CTL) and is complementary to other IEC conformity-assessment and testing guidance documents; it forms part of the suite of guidance used alongside ISO/IEC 17025 and IECEE procedural documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Measurement uncertainty, uncertainty budget, conformity assessment, IECEE, CB Scheme, ISO/IEC 17025, electrical safety testing.