Who They Are & What They Create
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the official U.S. representative to international standards bodies like ISO and IEC. ANSI does not typically write standards; rather, it acts as a private, non-profit coordinator of the U.S. voluntary consensus standardization system. It provides a neutral forum and a rigorous accreditation process for other SDOs (such as ASME, NFPA, and UL) to develop standards. When a standard meets ANSI’s criteria for openness, balance, consensus, and due process, it is designated an American National Standard (ANS).
Standards Created & Managed
ANSI manages and approves standards across nearly every sector. While the underlying technical standards are created by other SDOs, ANSI’s ANS designation (e.g., ANSI/ASME, ANSI/NFPA) ensures legitimacy and national applicability.
Key Focus Areas:
- Safety Signs & Symbols: Standards such as ANSI Z535 are foundational for safety and hazard communication.
- Information Technology (IT): Through bodies like INCITS, ANSI supports national IT standards (e.g., INCITS 359-2012).
- Electrical & Lighting: Coordination of standards for lamps and ballasts (e.g., ANSI C78, ANSI C81 series).
- Accreditation: Establishing criteria for SDOs and certification bodies.
Sectors of Industry Supported
ANSI’s oversight and coordination impact nearly every industry that relies on standards for safety and quality:
- Manufacturing & Engineering
- Safety & Health (Occupational and Consumer)
- Information Technology & Communications
- Construction & Electrical
- Government and Regulatory Agencies
Detailed History
ANSI’s origins date back to 1918, when major engineering societies and U.S. government agencies established the American Engineering Standards Committee (AESC) to reduce duplication in wartime manufacturing by standardizing technical specifications. In 1928, it became the American Standards Association (ASA), expanding beyond engineering. The organization adopted its current name—the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)—in 1969 to reflect its national coordination role. Through consensus-based processes and accreditation frameworks, ANSI has enabled thousands of organizations to collaborate in creating a unified, globally respected body of American National Standards.