Overview
IEC 62018:2003 is an International Standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines testing methods for measuring the power consumption of Information Technology Equipment (ITE). This standard focuses on assessing power consumption in various modes of operation, supporting effective energy management practices for IT devices. The equipment scope includes all IT products referenced in IEC 60950-1.
The standard aims to provide accurate, repeatable, and reliable measurement procedures that can be used internationally to characterize energy usage of IT equipment. It supports manufacturers, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies in optimizing energy efficiency and reducing consumption during both active and idle periods.
Key Topics
- Scope of Application: Applies to measuring power consumption of IT equipment under different operational modes for energy management.
- Measurement Modes:
- Full-on mode: Equipment operates at maximum capacity.
- Energy saving modes: Various levels of reduced functionality to minimize power use, including standby or off modes.
- Test Procedure:
- Specification of measuring equipment and configuration requirements.
- Environmental conditions like temperature and humidity control.
- Power source specifications including voltage, frequency, and waveform.
- Energy Management Concepts:
- Reduction of energy use during idle periods without compromising device functionality.
- Multiple energy saving modes to progressively shut down components like hard disks or other functions.
- Return to full operation without user intervention or lengthy restart time.
- Results Recording: Standard guidelines for documenting and reporting measurement results consistently.
Applications
IEC 62018:2003 is highly relevant for:
- Manufacturers of IT Equipment: To design and develop products with optimized energy consumption profiles and demonstrate compliance with international energy standards.
- Energy Auditors and Test Labs: For conducting standardized power consumption tests of computers, servers, peripherals, and other IT devices.
- Regulators and Policy Makers: To set minimum energy efficiency requirements and evaluate environmental impact of information technology products.
- Data Centers: To implement energy-efficient operational policies by understanding exact power usage in different device states.
- Sustainability Programs: Supporting energy saving initiatives and certifications through accurate power consumption verification.
Related Standards
- IEC 60950-1: Covers safety requirements and scope definitions for IT equipment, referenced for product classification.
- ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2: Provides rules for the preparation of IEC and ISO International Standards.
- Other energy efficiency standards and initiatives that complement IEC 62018 by addressing environmental impacts or setting efficiency benchmarks.
IEC 62018:2003 plays a crucial role in enabling consistent and reliable power consumption measurement for IT equipment. By establishing clear test methods, it promotes energy-efficient design and operation, helping reduce costs and environmental footprint in the global technology industry. For more details, consult the IEC publications catalogue or contact the IEC Customer Service Centre.