14 DAY TRIAL // IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), the entity that deals with international standards and the conformity assessment body for all fields of electrotechnology, has recently announced the publication of the first globally relevant universal phone charger standard for all new mobile phones.
The standard universal charger is based on the micro USB plug specifications issued by the USB-IF (Implementers Forum), with which the IEC has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
In addition, the new IEC International Standard covers all aspects of the charger, connector and plug, as well as safety, interoperability and environmental considerations.
IEC General Secretary and CEO Ronnie Amit said, “We all have drawers full of chargers that became obsolete as soon as we buy a new phone. Today, we have a truly operational global standard that will allow the industry to end this waste and significantly reduce environmental impact.”
“This is something millions of consumers have been waiting for. I am proud that the IEC has managed to get the best possible technical solution in record time to the market,” added Amit.
More importantly, Apple is among the first handset manufacturers that adhered to the new standardized microUSB charger policy along with other brands such as: Nokia, Research in Motion, Huawei Technologies, LG, Motorola Mobility, NEC, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, TCT Mobile (ALCATEL) and Atmel.
The choice was based on the fact that USB technology is well accepted globally, so it made sense for it to be included in the standard, especially since the specification was also included in products made by more than a dozen phone manufacturers.
“We are happy to have brought the USB-IF into the fold. USB technology already enjoys wide acceptance both by consumers and the industry and it is likely to enrich many future IEC International Standards,” concluded Ronnie Amit.