Overview
IEC GUIDE 118:2024, issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), is a comprehensive guide designed to support technical committees (TCs) in preparing and revising publications addressing energy efficiency (EE) and energy efficiency aspects (EEAs). This second edition merges the earlier IEC Guide 118:2017 and IEC Guide 119:2017 editions to eliminate duplication and introduces additional energy efficiency definitions, providing a unified and updated framework.
The guide emphasizes standardized procedures for the development of basic and group energy efficiency publications, enhancing consistency and facilitating the integration of energy efficiency considerations across diverse electrotechnical sectors. Its aim aligns with global energy policies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by fostering wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies and systems.
Key Topics
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Energy Efficiency Framework
The guide defines a systems approach to energy efficiency, focusing on boundary descriptions that include inputs, outputs, driving parameters, and key performance indicators (KPIs). This holistic perspective ensures that all relevant energy aspects are considered across components and systems.
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Preparation of Publications
IEC GUIDE 118:2024 delineates the process for creating basic EE publications (which focus on foundational energy efficiency principles) and group EE publications (covering integrated or collaborative aspects across multiple products or systems). It also addresses product-specific publications and how to reference related materials.
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Energy Efficiency Aspects (EEAs)
Identification, categorization, and inclusion of various EEAs are highlighted to ensure consistent treatment of energy efficiency within technical publications. This includes practical examples and guidance on incorporating EEAs effectively.
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Roles and Responsibilities
The guide outlines the responsibilities of the Advisory Committee on Energy Efficiency (ACEE), TCs with horizontal EE functions, and product-specific TCs. It clarifies coordination processes, informing relevant committees, and managing requests for new work related to EE.
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Boundary and Systems Approach
Practical boundary-setting examples demonstrate how to define operational scopes, both for independent solutions and complex systems. These examples assist in clarifying the energy flow and interactions between components, promoting collaborative standardization efforts.
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Overcoming Market Barriers
Informative annexes discuss common market barriers to energy efficiency deployment and suggest ways standardization can help overcome these obstacles through harmonized methods and terminology.
Applications
IEC GUIDE 118:2024 plays a vital role in:
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Standardizing Energy Efficiency Criteria
It aids in harmonizing the specification, measurement, and assessment of energy efficiency across electrical and electronic technologies, enabling reliable benchmarking and comparison.
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Supporting Sustainable Development
By promoting the adoption of energy-efficient practices, the guide supports environmental preservation and energy policy targets at national and international levels.
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Facilitating Inter-Committee Collaboration
The guidance on shared responsibilities encourages joint development of standards where multiple technical committees are involved, optimizing resource use and ensuring consistency.
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Enhancing Product and System Design
Manufacturers and designers can utilize this guide to integrate energy efficiency aspects into product development and system optimization, boosting performance and compliance with energy regulations.
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Improving Market Transparency
The standard supports the creation of clear, consistent energy efficiency documentation that helps consumers and regulators make informed decisions.
Related Standards
IEC GUIDE 118:2024 complements and integrates elements from related IEC guides and standards by:
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Replacing the earlier editions of IEC Guide 118 and IEC Guide 119 (both 2017 editions), consolidating their content for streamlined reference.
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Aligning with IEC’s broader body of international standards focused on electrical and electronic technologies and contributing to ongoing work in energy management, measurement, and sustainable technology deployment.
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Providing foundational principles that support standards targeting specific products, processes, or systems, such as IEC 61800-9-1, which is referenced as a collaborative example within the guide.
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Encouraging harmonization with ISO/IEC directives and collaboration with ISO standards to ensure compatibility across international frameworks.
Keywords: IEC Guide 118:2024, energy efficiency publications, energy efficiency aspects, IEC standard, electrotechnical standardization, energy efficiency KPIs, systems approach, Advisory Committee on Energy Efficiency, sustainable development, energy efficiency barriers, product group publications, standardization procedures.