Here’s a list of widely recognized Standards for Electrical Quality Control (QC) that we can
follow, grouped by organizations:
1. ISO (International Organization for Standardization):
ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems – Requirements (general QC guidelines for electrical
installations).
ISO/IEC 17020: Conformity assessment for inspection bodies.
ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
ISO/IEC 60204-1: Safety of machinery – Electrical equipment of machines.
ISO 50001: Energy Management Systems.
2. NETA (InterNational Electrical Testing Association):
NETA ATS: Standard for Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and
Systems.
NETA MTS: Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and
Systems.
NETA ECS: Standard for Electrical Commissioning Specifications.
NETA ETT: Standard for Electrical Testing Technician Certification.
1. ATS (Acceptance Testing Specification)
Refers to the NETA Acceptance Testing Specification, which provides guidelines for testing newly
installed electrical equipment.
Focus: Ensures equipment is installed correctly, functions as intended, and meets safety and
performance requirements.
Key Applications:
Verifies equipment is free from defects.
Confirms that installation adheres to design specifications.
2. MTS (Maintenance Testing Specification)
Refers to the NETA Maintenance Testing Specification, which outlines procedures for testing and
maintaining existing electrical equipment.
Focus: Ensures continued reliability, safety, and performance of equipment during its operational life.
Key Applications:
Periodic inspections and tests.
Identifies potential issues before failure occurs.
3. ECS (Electrical Commissioning Specification)
Relates to NETA Electrical Commissioning Specifications, a standard designed to guide the
commissioning of electrical systems.
Focus: Ensures a complete and operational system that meets the owner’s requirements.
Key Applications:
Systematic verification of the integration and performance of all components.
Often used for new or significantly modified systems.
4. ETT (Electrical Testing Technician)
Refers to NETA Electrical Testing Technician certification, which is a program to certify individuals
performing testing and maintenance.
Focus: Ensures technicians have the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to perform electrical testing
work.
Key Levels:
Various certification levels (e.g., Level I, II, III, IV) based on expertise and experience.
Key Applications:
Certifies competence for handling safety-critical tasks during testing and maintenance.
Summary of Their Role in ANSI/NETA:
ATS: For newly installed systems, ensuring proper installation and functionality.
MTS: For ongoing maintenance of systems to prevent failures.
ECS: For verifying new systems during commissioning to ensure performance.
ETT: For certifying personnel who perform these testing activities.
3. NFPA (National Fire Protection Association):
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) – Standards for safe electrical design, installation, and
inspection.
NFPA 70B: Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance.
NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.
NFPA 79: Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery.
4. IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission):
IEC 60364: Electrical Installations of Buildings.
IEC 60947: Low-voltage Switchgear and Controlgear.
IEC 61439: Low-voltage Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies.
IEC 60204: Safety of Machinery – Electrical Equipment.
IEC 60529: Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code).
5. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers):
IEEE 80: Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding.
IEEE 1100 (Emerald Book): Powering and Grounding Sensitive Electronic Equipment.
IEEE 1584: Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations.
IEEE C57: Standards for Transformers.
6. ANSI (American National Standards Institute):
ANSI C84.1: Voltage Ratings for Electric Power Systems and Equipment.
ANSI/NETA Standards: For testing and maintenance (in collaboration with NETA).
ANSI Z535: Safety Signs and Colors.
7. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials):
ASTM D877: Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Insulating Liquids.
ASTM D149: Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Solid Electrical Insulating
Materials.
8. BS (British Standards):
BS 7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).
BS EN 61508: Functional Safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Systems.
9. Other Relevant Standards:
OSHA Standards (for electrical safety in the workplace).
CIGRÉ Standards (specific to power systems and grids).
EN Standards (European standards, e.g., EN 50160 for power quality).
10. Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards (SAES):
Saudi Aramco has developed comprehensive engineering standards to ensure quality and safety in its projects.
Key standards related to electrical systems include:
SAES-P-100: Basic Power System Design Criteria.
SAES-P-103: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and DC Systems.
SAES-P-104: Wiring Methods and Materials.
SAES-P-107: Overhead Distribution Systems.
SAES-P-111: Grounding.
SAES-P-113: Motors and Generators.
SAES-P-114: Power System and Equipment Protection.
SAES-P-116: Switchgear and Control Equipment.
SAES-P-119: Onshore Substations.
SAES-P-121: Transformers and Reactors.
SAES-P-123: Lighting.
These standards cover various aspects of electrical design, installation, and maintenance, ensuring compliance
with quality and safety requirements.
11. Saudi Electricity Company (SEC):
The Saudi Electricity Company has established guidelines and a pre-qualification process to maintain quality in
electrical projects:
Generation Projects Pre-Qualification: SEC outlines a registration and pre-qualification process for
contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and suppliers involved in power plant construction and related
services. This process ensures that all parties meet SEC's quality and technical standards.
Additionally, SEC maintains an Approved Vendor List (AVL) for electrical equipment and materials, ensuring
that only qualified products are utilized in their projects.
12. SASO
The Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) sets standards, regulations, and
certifications to ensure product quality, safety, and efficiency within Saudi Arabia. Here's an overview of key
SASO standards relevant to Electrical Quality Control (QC):
1. Electrical Standards by SASO
SASO has developed standards for electrical products, systems, and installations to ensure their compliance
with safety and performance requirements. Key examples include:
SASO 2870: General safety requirements for electrical appliances.
SASO IEC 60335-1: Safety of household and similar electrical appliances.
SASO IEC 60034: Rotating electrical machines – Safety and performance standards for motors and
generators.
SASO 2203: Requirements for grounding and electrical protection in low-voltage installations.
SASO 60245: Flexible cables and cords – Requirements for insulation, flexibility, and performance.
SASO 60947: Low-voltage switchgear and control gear – Specifications for safety, design, and
operation.
SASO 2927: Guidelines for energy efficiency labeling for electrical equipment, including air
conditioners, refrigerators, and lighting systems.
2. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Standards
SASO emphasizes energy efficiency to reduce environmental impact and align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
Key standards include:
SASO 2663: Energy efficiency requirements for air conditioners.
SASO 2902: Energy efficiency requirements for lighting products.
SASO 2884: Energy labeling for electrical appliances.
These standards mandate that electrical products meet specified energy efficiency ratings before they can be
sold in the Saudi market.
3. Electrical Testing and Certification
SASO enforces mandatory testing and certification for electrical products under the Saber Platform and the
Saudi Quality Mark (SQM):
Saber Platform: A digital system to issue Certificates of Conformity (CoC) for imported and locally
manufactured products. Electrical products must undergo testing to meet SASO standards before
receiving CoC approval.
Saudi Quality Mark (SQM): Issued for electrical products that meet SASO's stringent safety, quality,
and performance criteria.
4. Importation Standards and Guidelines
SASO ensures all imported electrical products comply with its standards. Some key points include:
Compliance with IEC Standards: SASO adopts many IEC standards for electrical safety and
performance, aligning with global practices.
Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labeling: Electrical products must display energy efficiency labels to
inform consumers about energy consumption.
Gulf Conformity Mark (G-Mark): Electrical products intended for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
countries, including Saudi Arabia, must meet G-Mark requirements, which align with SASO standards.
5. Consumer Safety and Quality Assurance
SASO 1062: Electrical wiring safety requirements for residential and commercial buildings.
SASO 1377: Standard for the protection of electrical appliances against power surges.
SASO 2903: Requirements for fire safety in electrical installations, ensuring compliance with fire
prevention measures.
6. Focus on Vision 2030
SASO aligns its standards with the goals of Vision 2030, emphasizing sustainability, energy efficiency, and
adherence to global quality practices. Electrical QC efforts are part of larger initiatives to modernize
infrastructure and promote sustainable energy.
13.NEOM:
NEOM has developed specific quality requirements for contractors and vendors to ensure adherence to high
standards in its projects:
Schedule Q - Quality Requirements for Contractors: This document classifies materials into
categories (1 to 3) based on inspection levels and manufacturer qualification requirements. It outlines
the necessary inspections and approvals required prior to shipping materials to the site.
Vendor Quality Management System Manual: NEOM mandates that contractors select approved
vendors based on their ability to meet specified requirements for materials and services. The manual
details the pre-qualification process, including quality assessments and technical evaluations, to ensure
vendors comply with NEOM's quality standards.
These documents emphasize NEOM's commitment to maintaining stringent quality control measures
throughout the procurement and construction processes.
By adhering to these standards and guidelines, organizations can ensure that their electrical systems meet the
rigorous quality and safety requirements set forth by SAES, SEC, and NEOM.
American Society for Quality (ASQ) and Electrical Quality Control
The American Society for Quality (ASQ) is a global organization dedicated to quality management, including
methodologies and best practices for ensuring product reliability, process improvement, and quality assurance
in various industries, including electrical engineering and power systems.
1. ASQ Standards & Certifications for Electrical Quality Control
While ASQ does not create electrical-specific standards like IEC, NETA, or SASO, it provides quality
management frameworks and certifications that are widely used in electrical engineering, power systems,
and manufacturing.
Key ASQ Standards for Electrical QC
ISO 9001 (Quality Management System - QMS): Ensures standardization in electrical design, installation, and
testing.
ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System - EMS): Ensures compliance with sustainability practices for
electrical systems.
ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety - OHSMS): Applied to electrical workplaces for safety management.
Six Sigma (DMAIC & DFSS): Applied in electrical manufacturing and testing to reduce defects in electrical
components.
Lean Manufacturing & Total Quality Management (TQM): Used in electrical production and testing facilities to
improve efficiency.
2. ASQ Certifications for Electrical QC Professionals
ASQ offers globally recognized certifications for quality control engineers, electrical inspectors, and
reliability engineers, including:
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) – Focuses on quality assurance and inspection processes in electrical systems.
Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) – Ensures the reliability of electrical power systems, transformers, and
switchgear.
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) – Helps improve efficiency and reduce failures in electrical equipment
manufacturing.
Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) – Useful for auditing electrical QC processes and compliance with standards like
ISO 9001, NFPA, and NETA.
Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) – Applied in electrical instrument calibration for voltage, current, and
power systems.
3. ASQ & Electrical Testing Methodologies
ASQ methodologies apply to electrical manufacturing, installation, and testing through:
Statistical Process Control (SPC) – Used in electrical component manufacturing to monitor defects in switchgear,
transformers, and circuit breakers.
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) – Identifies risks and failure points in electrical systems before they
occur.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) – Troubleshoots failures in electrical panels, generators, and control systems.
Design of Experiments (DOE) – Used in electrical product development to optimize circuit designs.
4. ASQ’s Role in Electrical & Power System Industries
Manufacturing & Production: Ensures that electrical products (e.g., transformers, cables, and circuit breakers)
meet ISO 9001 and Six Sigma standards.
Energy & Utilities: Helps power plants, electrical utilities, and grid operators improve reliability through
Reliability Engineering (CRE).
Electrical Inspections & Compliance: Works alongside NFPA, NETA, IEC, and SASO to ensure compliance with
electrical safety standards.
5. ASQ & Vision 2030 (Saudi Arabia & Global Energy Trends)
ASQ frameworks are increasingly used in projects aligned with Vision 2030, smart grids, and renewable
energy projects like NEOM and SEC to improve electrical system reliability and quality control.
