ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchange method of encoding characters into 7 or 8 binary bits (typically 7 bits plus an 8th bit for parity).
ANSI: The American National Standards Institute is a private organization that coordinates the creation of voluntary standards in a number of fields including engineering, electronics, and construction.
ASTM: The American Society for Testing and Materials is a scientific and technical organization that develops material standards and testing methods.
DIN: The Deutsche Industrie Normen is a German organization that develops universal standards for connections.
FM: The Factory Mutual System is an OSHA recognized agency concerned with fire safety and prevention; it tests and approves products. FM approval designates a product which does not create a fire hazard.
ISO 9000 series: The ISO 9000 series is divided into five international standards (ISO 9000, 9001, 9002, 9003, and 9004) addressing issues concerning product quality. The standards guide manufacturers on the development, production, installation, inspection, and management of products to assure total and consistent quality.
NEMA: The National Electrical Manufactures Association is a trade association of electrical equipment manufacturers that develops and publishes many manufacturing standards.
NIST: The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a government agency that provides standard reference materials and calibration services. NIST certified instruments are calibrated at NIST, NIST-traceable instruments are factory calibrated against NIST-certified standards.
NSF: The National Sanitation Foundation is a nongovernment agency focused on health related standards for products and services. Certification indicates products suited for applications such as food handling.
OEM: Products used by Original Equipment Manufacturers in the design of equipment.
OSHA: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration oversees and regulates workplace health and safety.
UL: underwriters laboratories, Inc. is concerned with safety of personnel and property. UL listing indicates compliance with UL safety standards for electrical, mechanical, and fire hazards.
USP Class VI: Safety evaluation standards set forth by the U.S. Pharmacopoeia/National Formulary pertaining to biocompatibility with plastics.
3A: Standards and practices developed by the 3A Standards Committee for equipment and systems suitable for use in the dairy industry.