REVISING IEEE 442 Thermal Resistivity

Well, the process of revising IEEE 442 has begun. This standard affects anyone making thermal resistivity measurements who needs to cite IEEE compliance. As a result, many people have strongly held—and divergent—opinions about what the result should be.

It reminds me of this quote: “I have come to the conclusion that the making of laws is like the making of sausages—the less you know about the process the more you respect the result.”

Work on the standard is being done by the C-25 work group on thermal resistivity under the Insulated Conductors Committee. The ICC is a professional organization within the Power Engineering Society (PES) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

This workgroup was responsible for originally drafting IEEE 442. The standard was reaffirmed in 2003, but its last major update was in 1981. Quite a lot has changed since the early 80’s, especially in the world of computing and microprocessors. The committee has a lot to consider in bringing elements of the standard up to date with current science and technology.

We look forward to seeing the results of their work.

Nimesh Patel of Geotherm is the committee chair.