An Overview of Standards Development at the IEC

Accomplished safety professional and engineer Dianoush Emami holds a BS in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California (USC) in addition to professional certificates and credentials. A former director at WESCON, Dianoush Emami also has been engaged with several working groups responsible for moving substation automation specifications into the IEC standard for substation and distribution management systems.

IEC refers to the International Electrotechnical Commission, an international standards development organization founded in 1906. In addition to managing an educational academy and providing tools and expert resources, the IEC develops consensus-based electrical systems standards. The organization focuses its efforts on conformity systems for electrotechnology, which encompasses electronic products and systems.

The IEC employs a management structure headed by its Standardization Management Board (SMB). Meanwhile, technical advisory committees ensure coordination across workgroups, strategic groups focus on market needs, and systems workgroups collaborate with the technical community. In addition, technical committees and subcommittees reporting to the SMB are formed with a specific scope on an as-needed basis.

Vogtle Nuclear Plant Powers Georgians’ Lives for Three Decades

Since graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in electrical engineering, Dianoush Emami has amassed a range of professional certifications in his field. Over the past almost 40 years, the electrical engineer has brought an emphasis on safety, quality, and compliance to multiple projects for the utility industry. Among Dianoush Emami’s largest-scale efforts is his work on the Alvin W. Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant.

Mr. Emami handled the administration of technical specifications for this project, located in Waynesboro, Georgia, close to the state’s border with South Carolina. The plant was named for a prominent executive in the electrical industry.

The initial construction activity on the original two-unit Vogtle plant began in 1974, with its first unit becoming operational in 1987. The second of the units followed two years later. The Westinghouse Electric Company manufactured the plant’s pressurized water reactors.

Today, the combined power of the Vogtle plant is able to generate more than 2,400 megawatts, enough power to support half a million homes and businesses. The plant employs some 900 people.

Situated in a rural area that is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, the Vogtle plant has been certified as a Wildlife Habitat Council site for 25 years. Hundreds of acres in the plant’s vicinity have been replanted with native evergreen species, and its management has participated in local programs designed to educate the public about environmental issues.

In 2009, the plant received a 20-year extension to its operating license.