IEC 115 Application of Measurement Uncertainty to Conformity Assessment Activities in the Electrotechnical Sector

Name: Matestlab Inc.
Address: 2093 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, Delaware, 19703, US
Telephone: (302)244-7710

IEC 115 Introduction

Measurement results during testing, calibration, and inspection are crucial in making conformity assessment decisions in the electrotechnical industry. Nonetheless, every measure is associated with some degree of uncertainty, the presence of which may affect the compliance judgments if it is not considered. IEC 115 provides principles and methods of practical use of measurement uncertainty in conformity assessment. The standard assists in fair and consistent decisions of compliance, assists in harmonization between laboratories and certification bodies, and enhances confidence in test results to try to obtain regulatory approval, certification, and market access.

Get Certified IEC 115 for Reliable Conformity Assessment Decisions

Certification in accordance with IEC 115 shows that measurement uncertainty is appropriately considered in compliance tests by the conformity assessment activities. The certification increases credibility, aids in the accreditation requirements, and increases trust in the test reports and certification decisions. Implementation of IEC 115 practices lessens the disagreements, boosts transparency, and harmonizes the electrotechnical conformity assessments with the international best practices.

IEC 115 Requirements and Decision Rules

Measurement Uncertainty Evaluation	Quantification of uncertainty associated with test results
Decision Rules	Defined criteria for acceptance or rejection, considering uncertainty
Compliance Statements	Clear reporting of conformity decisions
Risk Consideration	Control of false acceptance and false rejection risks
Documentation	Traceable records of uncertainty evaluation and decisions
Consistency	Uniform application of decision rules across assessments

Scope of IEC 115

Refers to conformity testing within the electrotechnical industry.
Includes the testing, calibration, inspection, and certification activities.
Eradicates the use of measurement uncertainty in compliance.
Favours laboratories, certification agencies, and regulators.
Improves the transparency and conformity statement consistency.
Conformity to international standards of accreditation and quality.

IEC 115 Equipment and Sample Preparation

Specimen Preparation	Prepare test specimens according to applicable electrotechnical test standards without altering measured characteristics
Specimen Detail	Use representative products, components, or systems intended for conformity evaluation
Specimen Size	Specimen size depends on the applicable test method and product type under assessment

Applications of IEC 115

Assessment of electrotechnical products.
Decision-making in certification and regulatory compliance.
Reporting and accredited laboratory testing.
Checking and examination processes.
Market surveillance and product approval.
Compliance decision-making based on risk.
Borderline compliance case resolution.

IEC 115 Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

The main issues, such as the lack of consistency with decision rules, ineffective estimation of measurement uncertainty, and ambiguous compliance statements, are common. Distortion of uncertainty margins may cause conflicts between certification bodies and manufacturers. The solution to these challenges includes the implementation of standardized uncertainty evaluation procedures, setting clear acceptance rules, and recording decision rules clearly.

IEC 115 Technique Process, and Data Collection

It is done by measuring the given electrotechnical parameter, assessing the corresponding measurement uncertainty, and using specified decision rules to evaluate conformity. The results of tests, uncertainty elements, confidence intervals, and results of the decision are also considered as data within the scope of data collection. Good documentation is used to guarantee traceability and repeatability of the conformity assessments.

IEC 115 Analysis Results and Interpretation

The assessments performed by IEC 115 guide interpreter measurement results concerning the specification limits, and taking uncertainty into account. A conforming outcome verifies that the measured value, along with the uncertainty value, meets the requirements at acceptable levels of risk. Non-compliance implies that the results are above the allowed amounts or within the grey area that needs additional review or testing.

IEC 115 Problem & Solution

Problem: When compliance decisions are made on the basis of measured values alone, there will be inconsistent or controversial conformity.

Solution: IEC 115 Capsulates measurement uncertainty in the decision-making process, which guarantees equitable, uniform, and technologically warranted conformity tests.

Updated on September 17, 2026

About Author

Davis Scott

Davis Scott is an Electrical and Electronics Engineer specializing in multidisciplinary validation, quality assurance, and comprehensive electro-mechanical testing.
Know More

Testimonials

Real results

Engineers trust us with what matters most

“We had a great experience working with this company for our ASTM E84 testing. They were the first company to respond to our inquiry within just a few minutes of submitting it. From start to finish, the communication was excellent, and the entire process was swift, straightforward, and hassle-free.”

Ivars FancyWalls

United States

“Very good communication, testing associates were very patient with delays on our end. Reasonable turnaround time for results and nicely detailed report. Analysts were also quick to answer any follow-up questions. Happy with results.”

Skye Henderson

United States

“Matestlab connected us with an accredited lab within days, cutting weeks off our product validation timeline.”

Rebecca Kozodoy-Pins

United States

Why Choose Matestlab?

Matestlab is a unified testing services partner based in the USA. Matestlab offers raw material and product testing services through accredited, expert laboratories primarily based in the USA. Matestlab supports physical, thermal, chemical, electrical, mechanical, environmental, and characterization testing needs through its global network of 2200+ accredited testing laboratories. Matestlab's in-house materials science experts curate and design comprehensive testing programs matched to the sample material and specific testing need, with regulatory requirements and confidentiality in mind.

If you are looking for a managed and trusted testing partner to achieve your research goals, feel free to schedule a meeting with us or send us a request at connect@matestlabs.com to learn more about our services. For a quick quote, call us at (302)244-7710. We are happy to serve you.

Start Your Testing
Project Today

Define your requirements and get access to
specialized laboratories ready to deliver results

Start Testing

Partners with us

Clients

Vendors

IEC 115 Application of Measurement Uncertainty to Conformity Assessment Activities in the Electrotechnical Sector

IEC 115 Introduction

Get Certified IEC 115 for Reliable Conformity Assessment Decisions

IEC 115 Requirements and Decision Rules

Scope of IEC 115

IEC 115 Equipment and Sample Preparation

Applications of IEC 115

IEC 115 Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

IEC 115 Technique Process, and Data Collection

IEC 115 Analysis Results and Interpretation

IEC 115 Problem & Solution

Related